Ideal for a 2nd or 3rd Year Nursing Student
We are looking for a caring and reliable person to provide overnight support for an elderly couple, aged 89 and 87, in their own home.
Both are still able to do many things independently, but they have become physically weaker and now need someone nearby to provide support, reassurance, supervision and assistance when required. Both mobilise using four-wheel walkers.
This is not a 12–13 hour active care shift. The overnight arrangement combines approximately 4–5 hours of active care with an 8-hour sleep period.
We think the position could be particularly well suited to a 2nd or 3rd year nursing student looking for regular, well-paid overnight work alongside their studies.
What the role involves
Evening – Active Care
The evening component will generally include:
- Being present and providing assistance and supervision as required
- Assisting with the evening routine
- Shadowing or assisting while showering
- Ensuring safe movement around the home, particularly when using their walkers
- Helping them prepare for bed
- General companionship and reassurance
- Light household duties when appropriate and when they are resting
Overnight – Sleep Shift
Once they are settled for the night, there is an approximately 8-hour sleep shift.
Suitable sleeping arrangements are provided.
The carer needs to be available if assistance is required during the night. Any time spent actively providing care after being woken during the sleep period will be paid in addition to the agreed sleep-shift remuneration.
Morning – Active Care
Morning duties will generally include:
- Preparing tea and coffee
- Preparing a simple breakfast if required
- Assisting or supervising with dressing
- Ensuring they are safely up and moving
- General assistance to get the day started
- Light household duties where time permits
Who we are looking for
Our preference is for someone who is:
- A 2nd or 3rd year nursing student, or someone with similar relevant care experience
- Kind, patient and comfortable working with elderly people
- Mature, responsible and dependable
- Confident assisting people with reduced mobility
- Comfortable providing close supervision while still respecting independence and dignity
- Able to remain calm if assistance is required during the night
- Happy to undertake some light household tasks as part of the role
As this is intended to be a contractor arrangement, you will need to have or obtain:
- ABN
- Appropriate professional/public liability insurance
- Current First Aid/CPR
- Police clearance
- Appropriate right to work in Australia
Previous aged-care experience would be helpful but is not essential for the right nursing student with the appropriate maturity and attitude.
Hours
A typical overnight engagement will be approximately 12–13 hours in total, comprising:
4–5 hours active care + approximately 8 hours sleep shift
Any active care required after being woken during the designated sleep period is recorded and paid separately in addition to the sleep-shift amount.
We are looking for someone interested in regular shifts rather than simply occasional casual work. Depending upon availability, the position could potentially be shared between two suitable people.
About the role
This is a private family arrangement rather than working through an aged-care facility or large care organisation.
The objective is quite simple: to help an elderly couple remain safely and comfortably in their own home while preserving as much of their independence as possible.
We are looking for someone who understands the balance between being attentive and available without unnecessarily taking over things they are still capable of doing themselves.
If you are studying nursing, have an interest in aged care and think this arrangement could work around your studies, we would be very happy to hear from you.
Please get in touch with a little information about yourself, your nursing studies or relevant experience, your availability for overnight shifts, and any previous experience working with elderly people.
Work Location: In person
