Take five with LASA Young Leader finalist

The achievements of young Victorians in aged care have been formally recognised this year with the Leading Aged Services (LASA) Victoria Young Leader Award.

The Young Leader category was introduced to the LASA Victoria Awards for Excellence to acknowledge the achievements of people under the age of 30 who show outstanding leadership potential within the industry.

BlueCross The Boulevard clinical care coordinator Sharlene Cruz was nervous, excited and flattered when announced as a Top Four Finalist for the award on June 19.

Now in her eighth year in the industry, Ms Cruz has risen from catering assistant to compassionate registered nurse at the Mill Park aged care home.

Aged Care Online spoke with Ms Cruz in her office this morning. She begins by explaining her foray into aged care:

Image: Sharlene Cruz (second from left) with the other three finalists. CREDIT: Ian Champ