Exciting new chapter for Vickery Court

By Petrina Wright | Posted: Tuesday February 13, 2024

Janet Stevens brings a wealth of experience in the aged care sector to her new role as an Enliven Southland care home manager.

She took over from former Vickery Court manager Leila Coppins in February after Leila resigned to return home to Nelson to be closer to family.

Janet said she was excited by the opportunity.

“I am itching to get going.”

Janet spent the first 10 years of her working life in the banking and insurance industry before embarking on a new career path as a nurse in aged care.

She said nursing was not a career she had considered until her daughter became unwell and the family spent a lot of time in and out of hospital.

“I spent five years doing paediatric oncology as a mother, so I felt that I had something to offer the nursing profession.

“I saw shortfalls in the way the nurses communicated with families. Effective communication is a hugely important part of nursing.”

After graduating as an enrolled nurse in 2012, Janet worked at Rowena Jackson Retirement Village for a short time before deciding to further her training to become a registered nurse RN, graduating in 2016.

Peacehaven was her first post as an RN. She also worked at Rose Lodge where she was involved in setting up the facility for hospital level care and at Cargill Rest Home as a clinical manager before returning to Peacehaven in February 2022 as a clinical coordinator.

Janet said she was looking forward to her next challenge as a care home manager.

Her vision for Vickery Court?

“A friendly family vibe for residents, their families and the staff,” she said.

Enliven director Carol Riddle said she was excited to welcome Janet to the role.

“Janet is a registered nurse who has dedicated her nursing experience to aged care. This experience along with her history in banking gives her all the right skills for this role.

“We are really pleased her dedication to aged care has created the pathway to this manager role.”