Behind the Name Badge | Lydaina – Trust, Tunes, and the Unexpected Journey to Nursing

Carinya Registered Nurse, Lydaina

When Lydaina left high school, she didn’t have a five-year plan, or even a one-year plan. While her classmates at Kurnai College’s Churchill Campus were busy applying for university courses, she found herself standing at a crossroads with no map. It wasn’t ambition that steered her toward nursing; it was her dad, who saw something in her she hadn’t yet recognised in herself.

“I had no clue what I wanted to do,” she recalls. “My dad suggested nursing, and I said ‘okay,’ more out of trust than passion.”

What started as an uncertain step quickly turned into something deeper. The theory-heavy early days and confronting aged care placements almost made her walk away. But somewhere along the way, Lydaina found meaning and connection. “I fell in love with it,” she says. “Nursing became more than a degree, it became my calling.”

Since November 2024, Lydaina has brought that calling to Carinya, seeking not just a job, but a workplace grounded in heart and values. “I was looking for a place that felt like more than just shifts and rosters,” she explains. “Carinya’s person-centred approach and genuine team spirit drew me in.”

For Lydaina, aged care is where the “real magic” happens. The pace may be different to hospitals, but the depth of the relationships makes every moment meaningful. “You get to build lasting connections. I’ve shared so many incredible stories and little moments that stay with you.”

As a Registered Nurse, her days are dynamic and people-focused, starting with clinical handovers, coordinating care, checking in with doctors and families, and supporting the care team. “It’s always about putting the residents first,” she says.

One moment in particular left a lasting impression: a simple, heartfelt exchange with a palliative resident who, through laughter, offered a small but powerful gift. “As I was leaving her room, she said, ‘You’ve got an infectious smile, don’t ever lose it.’ That stayed with me. It reminded me that even small moments can have a big impact.”

For Lydaina, strong relationships are built on consistency, presence, and listening. “You don’t always need to fix something to make a difference—just being there is enough. Presence can be healing in itself.”

Outside of work, Lydaina enjoys winding down with familiar comforts, TV shows she’s watched a dozen times, naps worthy of a medal, and catch-ups with friends. But her favourite escape? Singing. “It started during lockdowns, and now it’s how I relax. Whether I’m in the car or the shower, music helps me recharge.”

From quiet beginnings to confident care, Lydaina’s story is a reminder that sometimes the best paths are the ones we never planned. And as for her dad? “Turns out he knew me better than I knew myself… but don’t tell him I said that.”