Qualifications: Third-year undergraduate, BSc pharmacy, University of Immaculate Conception, Phillipines (1978-1980)
Based at: Waitakere Hospital
TIme at Waitemata DHB: 2.5 years
Why did you choose to work in this field?
As an immigrant, I need to interact with people of different races to understand and adjust to each culture while I am involved in my work.
What do you love about it?
While doing my stuff as a cleaner, I have been able to understand New Zealand traditions and beliefs, and interact effectively. There are times I can provide patients’ basic needs.
What are the challenging bits?
Covering for colleagues when they are away. Every department in the hospital has a different.working environment and different cleaning needs, which challenges me to be efficient. It takes me some time to organise my tasks, but through my supervisor’s and manager’s guidance I have become familiar with every part of the hospital and able to satisfy the medical staff in every section I have been assigned to.
What would you say to people thinking of training in your field?
Housekeeping is not just a cleaning job. It’s the most important requirement in every workplace. A clean workplace can boost a positive working environment..