Staff Spotlight | Belinda Evans – Baptcare Scholarship Winner

 

At Baptcare, we believe that investing in our people is the key to our shared success. That’s why we’re proud to offer the Baptcare Scholarship Program, providing up to $2,500 to support permanent employees, both full-time and part-time, in pursuing further education and professional growth.

Belinda Evans is one of our inspiring scholarship recipients. As an Administration Assistant and part-time Personal Care Worker at our Karingal Residential Aged Care Community in Devonport, Tasmania, Belinda is now on the path to becoming a Registered Nurse. With the support of the scholarship, she’s turning her passion for care into a lifelong career. Read on to learn more about Belinda’s career journey.

1. Tell us about your work as an Administration Assistant – what do you do on a day-to-day basis?

I perform a range of tasks daily, from banking to helping fill rosters, making labels, answering calls and occasionally assisting with tours. However, I am also a Personal Care Worker, and I do this at least once a week. Sometimes, I assist residents throughout the week where needed. Additionally, I provide employee escorts, helping residents to appointments and back to the facility.

2. How long have you worked for us?

I have worked at Karingal for four years, been a personal care worker for 11 years, and have been in the office for one year now.

3. What other jobs have you held before joining Baptcare?

Other jobs I have held include roles at other care homes, community care and running a sleep clinic to assess people for sleep apnoea.

4. What motivated you to apply for the Baptcare Scholarship?
Whilst I work full-time and have made the choice to study, having a family as well can sometimes be a juggle. Being in Tasmania also has some limitations; to attend the local university, I would not be able to work my hours and attend the university campus. Studying online allows me the flexibility to fit it all in, but it does come at a cost of having to travel to the mainland to attend campus once or twice a semester.

5. How did you feel when you found out that you had won? Did you celebrate?
I was pretty excited, and I just celebrated with my family!

6. How have you used the scholarship to support your professional development and career growth? What skills/knowledge did you gain?

I am still in the process of studying as I am completing my Registered Nurse course, so this will take me a few years to complete before I can apply those skills in the workplace.

7. Tell us a little bit more about you – who or what inspires you most?
I am a mum to three children, and I would like to encourage my children to follow their dreams and passions, regardless of their age, which is why I thought I’d do it now. In terms of what inspires me, I just want to be a good role model for my children.

8. What keeps you going on days when motivation is hard to find?
I’m not sure, but I’m just putting one foot in front of the other, and I guess it’s just knowing that people are depending on me.

9. How do you recharge outside of work?
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have a few hobbies, but puzzles are my favourite, ranging from 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles to large Lego projects.

10. Any dreams you haven’t pursued yet – but want to one day?
To hopefully continue to complete my Nursing degree and see what comes after that.

Congratulations on your Baptcare Scholarship, Belinda!

Baptcare is committed to supporting our people through education, development and opportunity. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career – whether in aged care or beyond – explore our current opportunities here.