Meet Paola

Where do you work in Sydney Local Health District?

Community Health Services

What do you do?

I’m the Operational Nurse Manager in Community Health Services, and I support our nursing workforce to do what they do best and advocate for them in Community Health Services and the broader District. I have operational management responsibilities of the Infection Prevention and Control Clinical Nurse Consultants (CNCs) and the Child and Family Health Nursing teams.

Why do you do what you do?

I have worked with children and their families all my career.  

I am also passionate about looking after staff and ensuring they have a workplace where they can thrive. My Kung Fu teacher always said “we all start at the beginning, we were all once white sashes” this applies to the workplace as well. 

I care very much about ensuring our families, clients patients receive the best possible care. Essentially, treat people they way you would like you nearest and dearest treated and you can’t go wrong. I firmly believe that if you have a valued and resilient workforce this happens easily. 

What’s the best thing about your workplace?

My colleagues, I am blessed to work with an amazing team in Community Health Services and feel very privileged to manage a wonderful team in Child and Family Health Nursing and Infection Prevention and Control. 

What’s the nicest thing a colleague has ever done for you?

The kindness, patience and support I have received over many years through various family struggles and, on the flipside, the celebration and acknowledgement of the good times too.

What inspired you to join the People Matter Committee?

It’s in the title ‘People Matter’. We spend so much time at work, it needs to be a place where people feel heard and valued.