We caught up with Amy, Blaine, Emma, Libby, Meaghan and Talia and asked them a few questions about working in community neuro and IRS in particular, here is what they had to say:

What’s your favourite thing about working in community neuro?

I enjoy the flexibility and creativity involved in working in community neuro.
– Amy Senior Physiotherapist

I love seeing the transition and growth of clients across their rehab journey. Focusing on the little wins that snowball over time is just wonderful!
– Blaine, Occupational Therapist

Seeing clients at their home or in their local communities, and getting to work with them over really long periods of time to see them achieve some really cool things.
– Emma, Senior Physiotherapist

I find I am able to make the most meaningful difference in the clients’ lives in community.
– Talia, Senior Speech Pathologist

To see people in their own home and community, working on their own goals is so rewarding.
– Libby, Senior Physiotherapist

I like that each client is so different – in previous roles I had a lot of similar presentations whereas now all my clients are so varied.
– Meaghan, Senior Occupational Therapist

I love the challenges that each client presents with. Everyone’s goals are different – from functional goals around the house to higher level goals of running, cycling, surfing, shot-put, badminton, horse riding. The list is endless!
– Libby, Senior Physiotherapist

What were your expectations when you first started at IRS?

I thought there would be a big focus on quantity and less on quality which I quickly learned was the opposite.
– Meaghan, Senior Occupational Therapist

I wanted a challenge and a change from the sector I was working in. I wanted the freedom to work with my clients with a reduction in the workplace politics. I was excited for the change and I enjoyed it so much that it wasn’t long before I went from part time to full time.
– Libby, Senior Physiotherapist

I expected it to be about profit (as is the stigma for private practice), but in fact it is the complete opposite. IRS is truly person centred and puts its clients and staff first, always.
– Talia, Senior Speech Pathologist

The community and culture was what I was instantly drawn to. I love to socialise and get to know the people I work with and this has only excelled over my time here.
– Blaine, Occupational Therapist

Tell us a little bit about working for IRS

The work-life balance encouraged at IRS is something I love about it as an organisation.
– Amy Senior Physiotherapist

I love the varied caseload, I love the flexibility (and trust) of working from home and working hours that suit me.
– Meaghan, Senior Occupational Therapist

IRS has a fantastic support system for staff. With formal clinical & professional supervision and mentoring for all staff – lifelong learning is truly a part of the culture.
– Libby, Senior Physiotherapist

I love the amazing people we get to work with! Honestly such a great bunch of human beings, united by our common goal to help clients.
– Talia, Senior Speech Pathologist

I love the flexibility and autonomy – you control your diary and if you have out-of-work commitments, you can schedule work around them.
– Emma, Senior Physiotherapist

I love the culture, I love the fact that we are always looking at ways to safeguard clinicians and clients and I love that learning can occur from everyday conversations with your peers.
– Blaine, Occupational Therapist

The culture and social connection is a wonderful aspect of IRS with social lunches weekly, as well as many other opportunities to connect and have fun with the team both inside and outside of work.
– Libby, Senior Physiotherapist

What advice would you give to someone thinking about making the move to community neuro?

Have a chat to people working in the space to work out what the pros and cons are. I think some people are surprised to hear about the perks.
– Emma, Senior Physiotherapist

You will learn so much and be pushed to expand your skills in so many new areas, no matter how experienced you are.
– Meaghan, Senior Occupational Therapist

Do it! Scratch that itch! It might seem scary, but you don’t know unless you try, and if you think you might like it, you probably will!
– Talia, Senior Speech Pathologist

Whether you have a little or a lot of experience there is always scope for growth and progress at IRS.
– Blaine, Occupational Therapist

Seriously if you are considering it then just give it a go! It was such a great move for me – I’m still here 18yrs later.
– Libby, Senior Physiotherapist

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