With over 15 years of experience in nursing, Ngoc’s commitment to improving the lives of those in her care is nothing short of inspiring. As Aeralife’s National Infection Prevention Lead, she combines her passion for compassionate care with a drive for continuous improvement, making a real difference for residents, staff, and families alike.
From humble beginnings to leadership
Ngoc’s journey in the aged care sector began in 2009, when she took her first step as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) while pursuing her Bachelor of Nursing. As her career progressed, she moved through several pivotal roles, each one strengthening her expertise and shaping her into the leader she is today. From becoming a nurse to serving as a Clinical Care Coordinator, Ngoc’s progression at Aeralife has been remarkable. However, it was her roles in the Quality Team (Quality Infection Prevention and Control Lead in 2021 and National Infection Prevention Control Lead since 2023) that truly allowed her to shine.
Passion for infection prevention
“There’s so much to learn in infection prevention and control,” Ngoc reflects. “When COVID-19 hit, I realised how crucial this area of care is – not just for staff, but for residents and their families too. It’s a specialty I’ve come to truly enjoy, and it’s rewarding to see how much we’ve been able to improve our practices in response.”
Under Ngoc’s leadership, Aeralife’s infection control practices have consistently been highly rated during external audits. “Our homes have passed every Infection Prevention Control (IPC) visit with flying colours – no complaints, and we’ve received excellent feedback from assessors. That success feels incredibly rewarding, and it’s a testament to the efforts of our whole team.”
“I realised how crucial this area of care is – not just for staff, but for residents and their families too. It’s a specialty I’ve come to truly enjoy, and it’s rewarding to see how much we’ve been able to improve our practices in response.”
Elevating care standards through wound management
Ngoc’s passion extends beyond infection control. In addition to her infection prevention responsibilities, she has become a key figure in wound care, drawing on her post-graduate work in wound management. “I’ve always been hands-on when it comes to wound care,” she shares. “Since I started nursing, I’ve been cleaning or healing wounds and seeing first-hand how small changes in management can significantly reduce the risk of infections. That’s what sparked my interest.”
Ngoc serves as an internal wound consultant, bridging the gap between her peers and the need for external expertise. As a subject matter expert, she provides valuable guidance and insight that strengthens the team’s overall knowledge and practices. “It’s about ensuring best practices to reduce infections and support the healing process,” she explains. “I also focus on improving staff practices and their understanding of wound care.” Her role in wound care plays a pivotal part in Aeralife’s commitment to delivering exceptional care, resulting in improved patient outcomes, a higher standard of care, and more effective practices throughout the organisation.
A collaborative approach to quality care
Ngoc’s ability to juggle multiple areas of expertise speaks to her broader role in Aeralife’s innovation-driven approach to aged care. She doesn’t just maintain standards – she elevates them, working closely with homes to implement new practices and improve care delivery. “I don’t go in to criticise,” Ngoc says. “I go in with a fresh set of eyes to help, and it’s that mindset that makes a difference.”
This collaborative approach is in line with Aeralife’s mission to empower team members and create a truly supportive environment. As Ngoc shares, “We’re not just auditing from afar, we’re deeply involved, training and mentoring staff to help them succeed.”
Growth, opportunity, and long-term success
Ngoc’s time at Aeralife has been marked by continuous growth and career development. “I started here as a new grad nurse, and I’ve had nothing but opportunities to grow ever since. Whether it was gaining exposure to different roles or being mentored by senior staff, I’ve always felt supported in advancing my career.”
Reflecting on that career, Ngoc highlights the meaningful relationships she has built, both within her team and with the residents and families she has served. “Even though my current role doesn’t allow as much one-on-one interaction with residents as before, knowing that I’m contributing to the care they receive is what drives me.”
A testament to passion and leadership
For Ngoc, her work is more than a job – it’s a mission. “Aged care can be a challenging industry, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Knowing that you’re making a difference, no matter how small, makes it all worth it,” she says.
Ngoc’s manager, Annette has witnessed her growth first-hand and offers high praise: “Ngoc has been an invaluable asset to the organisation. Her ability to manage complex infection control tasks and mentor others is exceptional. She’s always forward-thinking, and her passion for providing the highest level of care shines through in everything she does.”
The road ahead: innovation and impact
Ngoc’s journey at Aeralife continues to inspire us all. As she looks to the future, she remains deeply committed to advancing infection control practices and ensuring high-quality care across the organisation. The support and opportunities she’s had at Aeralife only reinforce her belief in the power of passion and innovation in aged care.
For Ngoc, the journey is far from over, and Aeralife’s commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and meaningful care ensures that the best is yet to come.
