All the support you need to grow as a clinician 

When Seren Hasny graduated as an Occupational Therapist, the pressure was on to find a job. But with a clear goal in mind, she was determined to find the right fit. 

“I always wanted to work in the health industry but, when I discovered Occupational Therapy, my love was immediate.  

“After graduation, while everyone was stressed with the rush to apply for jobs, I was very particular about what I wanted - a well-supported opportunity in the community. 

“For me, seeing people in their homes, where they’re so much more comfortable, makes it much easier to build rapport and that all-important therapeutic relationship. Plus, when you see someone in hospital, you never know whether they’ve actually applied what you’ve suggested, which I don’t find as satisfying.” 

Now routinely working with National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, Seren says she feels her experience and confidence is growing daily. 

“There’s no doubt, the complexity of the NDIS is a lot to take on for a new graduate, but I’ve been given endless guidance and support by my manager, supervisor and everyone I work with. 

“I’ve heard so many stories of people who graduated alongside me feeling completely overwhelmed, particularly by the NDIS, but that hasn’t been the case for me at all. The support here has been amazing. I started out with one client, really built my clinical reasoning, then started to slowly grow my case load.” 

One of the greatest strengths of the Graduate Program, Seren says, is the spectrum of support.  

“Working from home, and not having that social connection, can be particularly challenging when you’re new to the field, but my manager has been there for me at every stage. 

“We’re also given regular opportunities to connect with our fellow graduates, to talk about what we’re doing and access peer support. That’s in addition to regular supervision, where I can share clinical questions and further my knowledge, and reviews with my line-manager. 

“My supervisor in particular is amazing - she’s not just knowledgeable, she also really understands how to build your skills and confidence. When I come to her with a question, she doesn’t tell me the answer, but finds ways to help me self-reflect and then guides my thinking. It’s a lot of support and it’s helped me to really grow as a clinician.” 

With her career falling into place, Seren feels confident about the future.  

“Not only are we learning every day – never standing still – we’re encouraged to have a career action plan, to keep us motivated and growing as clinicians. And because the organisation really supports us to live its healthy work/life balance values, I feel valued as a person, not just an employee. 

“When I talk about my work, it sometimes feels like I’m advertising!”  

Seren Hasny is an Occupational Therapist, Humanity Health Group Graduate Program.

Are you an allied health student graduating in 2022 and looking for an opportunity to kick-start your career? Applications for the 2023 graduate program are now open! Submit your application today.