Momentum Spotlight: Nurse Next Door Newcastle
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At Your Business Momentum, we believe that the most impactful businesses are those built on a foundation of genuine care and a clear sense of purpose. Nurse Next Door Newcastle is a shining example of this, blending professional clinical expertise with a deeply personal approach to home care.
Led by Liz Cook, the team at Nurse Next Door Newcastle is redefining what it means to support families in their own homes. By prioritising individual needs and fostering a culture of compassion, they are making a tangible difference in the lives of their clients across the Newcastle community.
In Conversation with Liz Cook, Owner
Tell us about Nurse Next Door Newcastle and how it came to be.
Nurse Next Door Newcastle was a seven-year journey, beginning when I first saw Nurse Next Door while living in Canada, and continuing as I dreamed and sought the possibility of owning Nurse Next Door Newcastle back at home. I have been a Registered Nurse for 26 years; however, I have always maintained an entrepreneurial spirit, trying out a few hobby businesses along the way, but I always missed the love of nursing. Owning Nurse Next Door Newcastle has allowed me to keep my love for nursing while satisfying my desire to be my own boss and run a great company.
Can you tell us a bit about your team and what makes them special when it comes to caring for your clients?
Our team consists of the most dedicated people, who literally will go above and beyond for this organisation. They truly do care for both our clients and our employees. We have a very robust recruitment programme, where we are really looking for people's 'want to care', not just the paycheck. This really shines through as we are able to match each worker to a client group that they really connect with. Each team member is so important to the smooth running of the organisation, whether they are frontline or working behind the scenes.
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Nurse Next Door Newcastle team members during their team alignment session with YBM.
Home care means something different to every family. What do you think sets Nurse Next Door Newcastle apart for those who choose you?
I think it's our flexible approach to care. We understand that each person, and each family, are unique, with a different set of values, requests and deal-breakers. It's our job to discover what is important for them and adjust the process that supports them to ensure we are meeting their needs and expectations. We work so hard to provide that individualised care to every client, no matter how large or small.
What's been the most meaningful lesson you've learned as a leader in caring for others, especially through tough times?
That's a tough question, as I feel I am still figuring out my own leadership style. I learnt early on to never be afraid of being the 'dumbest one in the room'. Set your team up to shine around you, and treat everyone as a real person with needs and feelings. Be there for them when they need to offload in the tough times. And on the flip side, don't be afraid to let your team know what you need from them during those tough moments.
In what ways have you had to adapt or innovate to meet the changing needs of clients and their families?
We are continuously innovating and adapting to each piece of feedback we receive, and constantly reviewing what is working and what isn't. One way we have innovated our processes is learning how clients want new care team members onboarded. For example, we are introducing buddy visits where new team members work alongside existing team members to learn the ropes, and then our Clinical Nurses come in at the end of the buddy shift to complete any clinical competencies. While it is a higher initial cost to the company, we are confident the outcomes will see new team members set up better for success.
Can you share a moment with a client or family that made you especially proud of what you do?
There are many, but one that comes to mind is one of our very first clients, a woman we cared for over three years in her home before she needed to transition to a nursing home. She was an eccentric and wonderful client who really needed the right team around her and a very flexible, understanding care plan. She was a foodie, so we matched her with caregivers who loved cooking and had the skills to match. We then created a group chat where each day the caregivers would post a photo of the meal they had prepared for her. It was a highlight of her day. I'm so proud we gave her some of the best final years in her own home.
Elizabeth Cook, Owner of Nurse Next Door Newcastle.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Nurse Next Door Newcastle and the role you play in the community?
The opportunity to make a difference in so many people's lives. I'm really excited about improving the aged care experience in our community, along with expanding into palliative care and hospital-in-the-home services.
For families just starting to consider home care, what advice or reassurance would you offer them?
Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. There are many providers out there, so look for one that is always happy to take your calls,
can answer your questions, gives you peace of mind, and is never afraid to receive feedback about things that may need adjusting along the
way.
A Word from Your Business Momentum
It has been a privilege to watch Liz and her team build Nurse Next Door Newcastle into a service that truly puts people first. Their commitment to individualised care and their willingness to innovate for the benefit of their clients is a testament to the kind of leadership that creates lasting, positive change in a community.
We are incredibly grateful to partner with businesses like this. As Liz continues to expand the reach of her care services, we look forward to seeing the continued impact she and her team will have across Newcastle.
About Momentum Spotlight
Momentum Spotlight is our way of celebrating the incredible organisations we've had the privilege of working with. Through their stories, we aim to inspire others to pursue growth, lead with integrity, and embrace the power of positive change in their businesses.
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