For Healthcare Australia (HCA) NDIS Clinical Care Coordinator Katie Casey, the desire to help others has always been a deeply personal one. Born and raised in Ireland, Katie’s career in healthcare has been shaped by her experiences growing up with a brother who has Down Syndrome and complex needs and by her mother’s career as a community nurse.
Today, after a varied career that has taken her from Ireland to New Zealand and now Australia, Katie is making a difference in the lives of others by combining her clinical expertise and personal passion to support NDIS clients. Here’s a closer look at Katie’s inspiring story.
A Career Built on Compassion
Katie’s career in healthcare began in Ireland, where she completed her Nursing Science degree at the University of Limerick. Her internship at the Daughter of Charity residential service gave her hands-on experience caring for individuals with intellectual disabilities, dual diagnoses, and complex care needs.
From there, Katie worked in nursing homes across Ireland, where she provided a range of care, including dementia support, short-term rehabilitation, and post-operative care. “These roles gave me a strong foundation in assessing, planning, and implementing care for clients with diverse needs,” Katie explains.
Her passion for travel brought her to New Zealand, where she worked in a small aged care facility before returning to Ireland. However, it wasn’t long before the pull of adventure brought her to Australia in 2019, where she began working with HCA as both an aged care agency nurse and a disability support worker.
The transition marked a turning point for Katie. “Working in these roles gave me incredible insight into Australia’s aged care and disability sectors. It was rewarding, dynamic, and the experience shaped my approach as both a nurse and caregiver,” she shares.
Supporting NDIS Clients as Clinical Care Coordinator
Since October 2021, Katie has been HCA’s Clinical Care Coordinator for the NDIS team. This role has offered her the opportunity to develop and execute comprehensive care plans while connecting directly with support workers and clients throughout Victoria.
“My role allows me to travel, meet clients, and assess their needs firsthand, which is incredibly rewarding. Using my own experiences as a support worker and nurse, I can help guide our staff in delivering better care,” Katie says.
She also gets to see the “full picture” of care by supporting clients during transitions from hospital to home. “I work with allied health teams to ensure everything is in place, from home modifications to support workers. When you see a client happy and thriving at home, it’s a moment that makes everything worthwhile,” she says.
The role comes with its challenges, including balancing the needs of both clients and their families. However, Katie finds that these challenges are opportunities to learn and grow.
Highlights and Milestones Along the Way
Katie reflects on the highlights of her career, particularly during her time as a disability support worker. She has supported clients in experiencing activities they might otherwise miss, such as attending family events, live sporting matches, and concerts.
“Often, individuals with disabilities lack opportunities to engage meaningfully in the community. Helping people enjoy those moments is deeply satisfying,” Katie says. “Even simple things, like having a coffee at a café, can make a huge difference.”
Overcoming Challenges and Fostering Growth
Katie recognises that one of the toughest barriers for anyone progressing in their career is the fear of change. “Humans are creatures of habit, and it’s natural to resist stepping out of our comfort zones,” she says.
Her advice? “Push yourself. Change isn’t easy, but growth doesn’t happen without it. Trying something new might lead to incredible opportunities you never imagined.”
For Katie, moving into an office-based role after years of on-your-feet, hands-on work required an adjustment. “The hardest part was missing the face-to-face interactions I was so used to. But being able to relate to and guide support workers means I’m still connected to the care side of things,” she explains.
The Path Ahead
Looking to the future, Katie is excited about the challenges and opportunities her role continues to present. “What’s most fulfilling is being able to combine my clinical nursing and disability knowledge into a holistic approach that supports clients better. It’s a chance to make real, meaningful impacts on people’s lives,” she shares.
Katie’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and a drive to help others. Whether supporting NDIS clients, empowering families, guiding support workers, or inspiring fellow nurses, Katie embodies the heart of what it means to work in healthcare.
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of others like Katie? Learn more about career opportunities with Healthcare Australia and register your interest today.
