Meet Suzie Stevens

Our SummitCare family is filled with amazing people who are very positive and filled with a caring attitude. In this issue we share 3 team members and their stories so that you can learn a little more about them.

How long have you been a member of the SummitCare team?

I started in September 2021. Before that was Nurse Unit Manager at Westmead Hospital for 21 years in (high dependency neurosurgery ward).

Why did you join SummitCare given short notice?

I was managing the COVID Positive Ward at Westmead and had been talking to Michelle Sloane regularly about the condition of the SummitCare residents at Westmead which made me realise I missed working in geriatric care.

What’s your favourite part of being a member of SummitCare?

I like engaging with residents doing what I can to provide some fun. I also enjoy the little things that make them feel good, like makeup or a fresh shave. Anything to see a smile on their face.

What is your current occupation? (did you start in another role in SummitCare).

I started with the clinical quality team, helping with staff education, training, quality control, resident care audits. Then I progressed to the Manager's role at SummitCare Smithfield (after 8 weeks), then 2 weeks later went had COVID restrictions.

What do you love most about working in Aged Care?

I love being able to make a difference to their later life. To make their days more interesting, keeping them motivated and engaged. It was great to see the look on their faces when I came back after a break, they were so happy.

It’s also the relationships with the residents and their families - everyone is working together to provide the best possible care to all of our residents.

Who inspires you?

I inspire myself to be a better version of myself - always reflect on how can I do that better. Michelle Sloane certainly inspired me to return to the aged care space. I’m so grateful that we met. If it weren’t for COVID - I would never have met Michelle, so I guess things happen for a reason.

What is your favourite hobby?

My spare time is taken up arranging fundraising activities for Kidz Fix Charity Rally raising funds for Children Hospitals, Outback Australian Services, dental clinics and schools. Both my husband Brett and I are on the committee for Convoy for Kids Sydney. We organise an annual truck convoy from Eastern Creek NSW which includes 300- 400 trucks that drive from Eastern Creek to Hawkesbury Showground to celebrate. The event raises around $60-100K. Funds were being raised for NETS neonatal ambulance service.

What’s the last book you read?

Aged Care Quality Bulletin - too busy for reading fiction.

What’s the first concert you ever attended?

John Farnham - Entertainment Centre Sydney.

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?

Las Vegas. My husband wants to go for his 60th. We only got married in July 2022, so it could also be a delayed honeymoon.

If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Fettucine Boscaiola.

What’s one item/thing you can’t live without?

My phone.

What’s one thing you learned in the last month?

I learned that you can actually see which side of your car the petrol cap is by looking at your fuel gauge on our car dashboard.

What’s your secret talent no-one knows about?

I’m a fabulous singer (in my own head) and wish that I had taken lessons when I was younger.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Cheerful, fun and love to party.

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