The people at Aeralife are what make our organisation special. Their unwavering passion and commitment to care inspire us every day. This is particularly true for Rupinder, a registered nurse at our Aeralife Northpoint aged care home, who was honoured with this year’s Innovation Award for her outstanding work.
Rupinder’s path to becoming a registered nurse has been a journey of resilience. Arriving in Australia from India with a nursing background, she first worked in home care and food services before pursuing her Enrolled Nurse (EN) qualification. Studying in a second language while raising a young family wasn’t easy, but with determination – and strong support from her husband, in-laws, and children – she succeeded.
When she secured her first role as an EN at Aeralife Northpoint, Rupinder admits there were challenges. “At first I made some mistakes in documentation or wound care, but I never gave up. I always learned from my mistakes,” she reflects. Her commitment to learning didn’t stop there. While juggling pregnancy, motherhood, and even recovering from a C-section, she pursued further study at Victoria University. In December 2024, she proudly achieved her Registered Nurse (RN) registration.
Innovation in wound care
“Rupinder is a great team player who works very well in a busy environment. Her approach of promptly escalating concerns has been a great benefit to our residents and team.”
What set Rupinder apart, and ultimately led to her Innovation Award, was her fresh approach to wound care. She developed a practice of closely tracking wounds through photographs, carefully comparing each stage of healing, and promptly escalating concerns to GPs or wound specialists when needed.
“Every time I saw something different, I would compare the new photo with the previous one. If there was any sign of deterioration, I acted quickly – whether that was booking the GP, contacting the wound specialist, or checking the resident’s nutrition,” she explains.
Her proactive method not only improved wound outcomes for residents but also became a model for the wider team. By linking wound healing to broader aspects of health, such as nutrition and hydration, Rupinder demonstrated how holistic thinking can make a real difference in aged care.
“Rupinder is a great team player who works very well in a busy environment,” says Kate, the Residence Manager at Aeralife Northpoint. “She is always eager to learn more about wound management, and her approach of promptly escalating concerns has been a great benefit to our residents and team.”
Inspired by her mother
Behind Rupinder’s achievements lies a deeply personal motivation. Her mother, who once dreamed of becoming a nurse in India, was unable to continue her studies after the sudden death of Rupinder’s grandfather. Married young, her mother carried that unfulfilled ambition for decades.
“My mum always told me: never give up. She said, ‘I couldn’t do it, but I want you to.’ Every time I achieve something in my career, I feel I am living her dream too,” Rupinder shares.
A culture of support
For Rupinder, her success has also been made possible by the environment at Aeralife. “Management here has always supported me,” she says.
“If I ever have a question, I know I can call my clinical manager straight away. My colleagues, the care staff, the lifestyle team – we all support each other. It feels like a family.”
This culture of learning and encouragement is what Rupinder believes makes Aeralife special. “Confidence doesn’t come straight away; it comes with experience and support. Here, I’ve always been given the chance to grow.”
When asked what advice she would give to someone considering a career in aged care nursing, Rupinder is clear: “Don’t worry about being perfect. Confidence will come with experience. Ask questions, learn from your mistakes, and never give up.”
Rupinder’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and inspiration. Her award is not only a reflection of her own determination but also of Aeralife’s culture, where people are supported to grow, innovate, and deliver the very best in care.
