Nurse found her professional home in disability services

Jenni works as a regional nurse in the housing services of disability services in Vihti. She has previously worked with older people and in surgery in specialised medical care. However, applying for nursing education was not an obvious choice for her.  

“I was thinking about a career in art. However, I have always wanted to help people and have been interested in the human mind. I figured that there is always plenty of work for nurses, so I chose the sensible option and abandoned the idea of going to art school entrance examinations,” Jenni laughs. “I’ve been happy with my career choice,” she says.   

After graduating, Jenni headed for specialised medical care tasks in surgery. While she found neurosurgery and vascular surgery particularly interesting, contact with clients was often short. “I wished to have more of an influence on the patient’s life course,” Jenni says.  

After working in specialised medical care, Jenni sought to work with older people. Later, her personal experience as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum made Jenni interested in working with persons with developmental disabilities. When a position opened for a nurse in disability services in Vihti, Jenni decided to apply for the role.  

“When I was applying for the job, I was wondering if I had the skills and ability to do it. However, I decided that now is the time to move boldly forward, and I got the job. Now I feel like I've found my home,” Jenni says.  

Working with persons with disabilities is something close to Jenni’s heart. Her personal interest merges with learning new things.   

“I have also been able to make use of my versatile work experience in this job, as the clients in disability services are very diverse. Some clients need little support and guidance, while others need much more. The work emphasises being present and adapting to clients’ needs. I must be sensitive to the client’s needs and navigate various situations”, Jenni says.  

Jenni has been working in the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County for around a year. What kind of experience has it been? 

“The introduction of the wellbeing services county has been a time of transition. The harmonisation of client and patient record systems will improve the flow of information and make it easier for all of us to work in the future,” Jenni points out. 

“At LUVN, I get to have a job that matches my personal values and is supported by adequate resources. I also owe my gratitude to my supervisor. I can always count on my supervisor to tackle any matter I address. That’s something I appreciate,” Jenni continues.  

In the future, Jenni hopes for interesting encounters at work, working together with others and successes. She also finds it important to be able to influence the care paths of the clients of disability services as a nurse. In fact, Jenni finds that the most important task of a nurse is to be the client’s advocate who does not hesitate to bring all observations to the doctor’s attention for decision-making on treatment. She hopes that the specialness of the clients is taken into account in all matters.  

“We have a big goal but we’re doing this work together”, Jenni summarises.  

What would you like to say to a young person who is still looking for which career to choose? 

“Don’t be afraid to move forward! It’s worth opening new doors and seeing what you can find behind them. Remember who you are and try to work based on your own values. Do that and you’ll go far.”