Melanie WIjekoon
Bendigo
Summary
Compassionate personal care attendant/enrolled endorsed nurse with experience in various clinical settings. Skills include patient education, health assessments, and administering medications, along with strong interpersonal communication abilities to build relationships with patients and families. Proven ability to handle high-stress situations and maintain composure, always prioritizing patient safety and comfort. In previous role, contributed significantly to improving patient satisfaction scores.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Personal Assistant
Bendigo Health Carshalton House
Bendigo
09.2024 - Current
- Provided companionship to elderly and disabled clients in their homes or other residential facilities.
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
- Encouraged independence by helping clients develop self-care skills such as meal preparation or personal hygiene tasks.
- Completed scheduled patient check-ins and progress reports for clients.
- Partnered with registered nurses and physiotherapists to provide care to patients.
- Reported any observed changes in mental status or physical condition to supervisor immediately.
- Followed safe lifting and transferring techniques to transport residents.
- Helped clients get in and out of beds and wheelchairs.
- Monitored vital signs and medication use, documenting variances, and concerning responses.
- Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
- Observed patients for changes in physical, emotional, mental or behavioral condition and injuries.
- Answered signal lights, bells or intercom systems to determine resident needs.
- Assisted with administering medications under the direction of a Registered Nurse.
- Collected specimens, monitored vitals and maximized patient comfort to maintain optimal environment.
- Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
- Engaged with patient family and friends to provide courteous visit experience.
- Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
- Assisted nurses with daily patient care, including dressing wounds and providing hygiene assistance.
- Delivered high level of care to every patient.
Personal Care Assistant
RM Begg
Bendigo
09.2022 - Current
- Maintained accurate records of client care activities on computerized systems for charting purposes.
- Assisted with meal planning to meet nutritional plans.
- Performed housekeeping duties including laundry, vacuuming, dusting, mopping floors and changing bed linens.
- Provided companionship to elderly and disabled clients in their homes or other residential facilities.
- Helped patients during ROM exercises to maintain musculoskeletal functions and increase strength.
- Assisted physical therapists with exercises designed to increase strength, coordination, balance and flexibility.
- Monitored health and well-being of clients and reported significant health changes.
- Worked closely with clinical staff to support therapeutic and behavioral plans.
- Collected and recorded patients' blood pressure, pulse, and respirations (TPRs) to evaluate and note basic health status.
- Researched community resources available for additional assistance or services if needed.
- Improved patient outlook and daily living through compassionate care.
- Ensured safety of patients by monitoring environment and responding promptly to any emergency situations that may arise.
- Provided emotional support to clients by listening attentively and engaging them in meaningful conversations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members regarding plan of care for each client.
- Recorded client status progress and challenges in logbooks and reports.
- Reported concerns to nurse supervisor to promote optimal care.
- Aided with mobility and independence for disabled individuals and continually monitored safety.
- Helped clients adjust to new lifestyles during periods of incapacitation or recuperation.
- Assisted clients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting.
- Created safe and positive living situations for clients by communicating with family and other staff about concerns or challenges.
- Supported bathing, dressing and personal care needs.
- Encouraged residents to participate in activities of daily living to enhance personal dignity.
- Met with various caregivers to promote continuous professional development and implement quality treatment strategies.
- Utilized adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers or canes as needed.
- Administered medication under supervision of a registered nurse or physician.
- Observed patients for changes in physical, emotional, mental or behavioral condition and injuries.
- Made beds, swept floors and sanitized surfaces to support activities of daily living.
- Monitored vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse rate and respiration rate for the patient's health status.
- Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
- Monitored vital signs and medication use, documenting variances, and concerning responses.
- Followed safe lifting and transferring techniques to transport residents.
Student Nurse
Bendigo Health
Bendigo
03.2025 - 04.2025
- Collected specimens for laboratory testing, including blood, urine, and sputum.
- Observed medical procedures to advance nursing knowledge and prepare for more challenging experiences.
- Monitored patient progress throughout their stay in the hospital setting.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Verified menu and current diet order to deliver meal trays and snacks to patient.
- Interacted with patients in a professional manner while providing compassionate care.
- Supported the administration of IV medications and fluids under close supervision.
- Observed and communicated changes in patient's condition to registered nurse on duty.
- Assisted in administering medications and treatments to patients.
- Prepared and maintained patient rooms, ensuring a clean and safe environment.
- Documented information about patient care, vitals and condition markers in computer system.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss treatment plans for complex cases.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Demonstrated knowledge of pharmacology principles when preparing medications for administration.
- Assisted with mobility, including transferring patients using appropriate lifting techniques.
- Coordinated discharge planning to ensure continuity of care post-hospitalization.
- Implemented infection control measures, including hand hygiene and proper disposal of sharps.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide quality patient care.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Performed glucose testing and administered insulin under supervision.
- Educated patients on health promotion activities such as nutrition and exercise.
- Delivered culturally sensitive care to unit patients for optimal outcomes.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Assessed and monitored patient health conditions, including vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate and blood pressure.
Personal Care Assistant
BUPA
Kyneton
07.2017 - 09.2022
- Supported bathing, dressing and personal care needs.
- Made beds, swept floors and sanitized surfaces to support activities of daily living.
- Maintained a safe environment for clients by ensuring all equipment is properly stored when not in use.
- Planned and prepared healthy meals and snacks for clients and provided assistance with eating when necessary.
- Aided with mobility and independence for disabled individuals and continually monitored safety.
- Recorded client status progress and challenges in logbooks and reports.
- Provided companionship to isolated or lonely clients by engaging in conversation and accompanying them on outings.
- Encouraged clients to participate in recreational activities such as reading, playing games, and socializing with others.
- Engaged with patients and families to provide emotional support and daily living instruction.
- Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
- Lifted, moved and adjusted clients to ambulate individuals for diverse needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop care plans for individual patients.
Education
Diploma - Nursing
Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE
Bendigo-Echuca, VIC04-2025
Certificate III - Aged Care
Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE
Bendigo-Echuca, VIC10-2011
Skills
- Medication administration
- Patient care
- Documentation management
- Patient assessments
- Compassionate communication
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Multitasking and organization
- Support personal needs
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Strong work ethic
- Time management expertise
- Wound care
- Policy compliance
- Dementia care
- Reliability
- Problem-solving aptitude
Timeline
Student Nurse
Bendigo Health
03.2025 - 04.2025
Personal Assistant
Bendigo Health Carshalton House
09.2024 - Current
Personal Care Assistant
RM Begg
09.2022 - Current
Personal Care Assistant
BUPA
07.2017 - 09.2022
Diploma - Nursing
Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE
Certificate III - Aged Care
Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE
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