Enrolled nurse Vicki Nichols has celebrated a quarter of a century of service at Mount Gambier’s Boandik Lodge aged care facility.

Mrs Nichols started working at Boandik Crouch Street as a personal care assistant in February 1997, and now works as an enrolled nurse at the site.

Mrs Nichols said she made the decision to further her knowledge and complete her enrolled nursing to have a better understanding and knowledge of the people she cared for.

“While my journey until now has been challenging at times, the bond we get to share with our residents is like no other,” she said.

“I have cared for many lovely people and their families over the years.

“In aged care, there is a connection between resident, family members and staff.

“Sometimes we are an extension of families in a professional capacity.

“It is inevitable sadly that most people we care for will one day no longer be on this earth, but I consider it a privilege to follow their journey through and make it as pleasant as possible.

“That may just be by holding their hand, having a conversation, or letting them know they are not alone.”

Mrs Nichols said working in aged care as a carer or nurse was a passion, not just a job.

“You do not do this just because it is a job – you do it because you have a passion for supporting, enabling and working alongside our residents,” she said.

“I love my job and I still have a passion for aged care.

“The aspects of my job I enjoy the most are working alongside the residents to enable them to have the best quality of life we can achieve together.

“A benefit is to see a smile on their face and knowing I might have contributed to it in some small way.”