Open Polytechnic qualification ‘opens doors’ for support worker’s career

When Eva Haussmann was offered a job promotion to become an acting Team Leader at Health NZ in Nelson, she was told that she needed to obtain a NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) qualification.

Open Polytechnic qualification ‘opens doors’ for support worker’s career 

That is when she decided to complete the qualification by distance learning and enrol in Open Polytechnic’s NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support) (Level 4). 

The practical side of the NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing

Eva finds what she learned in the NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advance Care and Support) (Level 4) practical in her career.  
 
“The qualification definitely enriches and deepens my understanding of health and wellbeing, and the care process,” she says. 
 
“I am more equipped to understand the needs of people we support, especially those with complex needs and chronic health conditions.”  
 
The qualification has also been beneficial for Eva’s personal and professional growth. 
 
Eva says that her studies have boosted her practical ability in the workplace, increased her confidence in handling more complex tasks and in making decisions at leadership level.  
 
It has also “opened doors” for Eva’s career, with senior or leadership roles in health and wellbeing sectors often requiring people with a Level 4 qualification or higher. 
 
Eva found the person-centred care approach of Open Polytechnic highly relevant, as her workplace also embraced a similar philosophy. 
 
“It increased my knowledge, skills and helped me gain more understanding of the needs of the people we support,” Eva said. 
 
“The skillset I have gained from my studies is essential in providing holistic, person-centred support to patients at my workplace.” 
 
According to Eva, effective communication, teamwork and collaboration in the workplace are essential in ensuring that the team delivers the highest standard of care. 
 
Reflective practice is another aspect that Eva found beneficial for her new team leader role.  
 
“The programme emphasised the importance of engaging in self-reflection, allowing me to evaluate my own work, identify areas for improvement, and actively pursue professional development,” Eva said.  
 
Another practical aspect of the NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support) (Level 4) was that it provided Eva with strategies to encourage and support patients to proactively be involved in maintaining their independence.  
 
“This not only massively impacts their wellbeing but also contributes to higher quality care and an improved quality of life,” Eva said.  

Real world experience 

From the start to the completion of Eva’s study journey with Open Polytechnic, her manager was supportive, which made a huge difference to her learner experience. 
 
As part of Open Polytechnic’s NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support) (Level 4), ākonga need to complete at least 270 hours of paid or unpaid employment in a relevant health and wellbeing workplace. 
 
This is a compulsory part of all the courses, as practical activities in the workplace provide context for assessments. 
 
Since Eva was working full-time at Health NZ Te Whatu Ora throughout her studies, she had no problem fulfilling the practical aspect of the course. 
 
Her manager also enabled her to work flexible hours, when possible, allowing her to balance study and work.  
 
She also received leave when needed for completing assignments. 
 
Eva was also able to take one day of study leave each week, if needed, as long as she could find cover. 
 
“With this amazing support I felt valued and supported by the organisation (Health NZ), it increased my motivation, focus and encouraged me to keep going even when in tough times,” Eva said. 
 
“My experience and what I have gained from the study has also inspired me to support and encourage others in my workplace who are also doing the same thing  
 
Others who saw Eva complete her studies despite the challenges of working full-time have also been inspired and motivated to do their own study.  
 
“It really shows that with great support and determination it is possible to achieve,” Eva said.

 
An opportunity for leadership growth 

The NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support) (Level 4) provided Eva with plenty of knowledge to help with her new role of acting Team Leader at Health NZ in Nelson. 
 
Leadership and mentoring topics assisted Eva with her new role. 
 
“It not only improved my own performance, but also enhanced the quality of the service I can provide by promoting a supportive team environment and making a significant impact on both my team and the life of people we support,” Eva said. 
 
“The programme taught me how to lead by example and demonstrate the behaviour and attitudes I want to see in others.” 
 
“Practically applying this in my day-to-day work has really equipped me to demonstrate the best practice in person-centred care.”  
 
Showing effective communication skills and techniques, along with managing stress and maintaining professionalism, especially in the challenging times, were other skills Eva developed as part of the programme.  

 
The benefits of flexible learning 

 
Flexible online learning through Open Polytechnic enabled Eva to continue with her life, being a mother to her teenage son, as well as working full-time, while studying. 
 
“Every day seemed very busy, I had to be very organised with my time and set my eyes on the big picture,” Eva said. 
 
“I had study routines and was really committed to my schedule, being consistent with my study routine and keeping the momentum going.”

 
 
Eva’s study tips

 
Eva found studying for 30 minutes daily and longer hours on two days a week helped to get her work done. 
  
She would also take notes of important dates in her diary, create a to-do list and put assignment due dates on her white board. 
 
For Eva, setting time aside for breaks to avoid being overwhelmed was important for her wellbeing. 
 
“I understand this is crucial to my wellbeing whilst under pressure of balancing work, study and family life,” Eva said. 
 
“Taking regular breaks and celebrating even the smallest achievements with simple activities, such as a short drive to the local shop for a refreshing fruit ice cream or chatting with a friend, can be very beneficial.”   
 
Connecting with her Open Polytechnic course leader provided Eva with an opportunity to ask questions and get any help and guidance, while friends and colleagues were also supportive. 
 
Eva’s work manager was also understanding and provided her with extra time to complete paperwork if needed. 
 
Finally, Eva’s family helped to support her mentally and kept her motivated to continue with her studies. 

 
Open Polytechnic resources 

 
“The resources are great, such as structured and clear course materials, presentation of study tools are varied and interesting; like reading materials, videos, interactive activities, and quizzes, which kept me engaged and made it easier to grasp the content,” Eva said. 
 
Eva found that Open Polytechnic offered a supportive learning environment, including the library services and learning centre, academic support from her course leader during her studies and additional support that helped her with all the information she needed.  
 
“The support was amazing, as soon as I enrolled, a course leader was assigned to support and advise me in the journey of my study from start to finish; the mentor was great,” Eva said.  
 
“My course leader went above and beyond to make sure I was successful with my study, not only did they support me with study skills and all the information I needed, but also they were there to keep me motivated and focussed on my study goals along the way.” 
 
Eva would recommend Open Polytechnic to others. 
 
“The courses are practical, flexible, and directly connected to real-world job performance and career growth,” she said.  
 
“I have had a great and positive experience with Open Polytechnic online learning and found it both practical and useful in my work and also for my growth and development.” 
 
“I'm grateful for the opportunity to have completed it through Open Polytechnic.”