Olivia De Groot - Trainee Respiratory Physiology Technician
Olivia De Groot is a Trainee Respiratory Physiology Technician at Palmerston North Regional Hospital. She is a part of our Ambulatory Care team, and her work involves performing spirometry and other fundamental respiratory testing for our patients. She is also responsible for all the respiratory testing equipment in the laboratory and ensures that all the equipment is well maintained and assists her team with research, documentation and maintenance of laboratory accreditation.
Olivia completed her Bachelor of Science and was looking at various career prospects when she learned about Clinical Physiology. She has found the field interesting so far and enjoys it as she gets to include both patient focused work and scientific work in her mahi.
“I love learning about how the human body works but also enjoy caring for and interacting with people. So, if you’re a science nerd who also enjoys connecting with people, this was a great fit!”
“I love that in my job no two days are the same and I get to see a wide variety of patients who present with a whole range of different health needs. The job is fast-paced and challenging but rewarding to know that you’ve played a crucial role in someone’s diagnosis, monitoring and care.”
Olivia started working with us in January last year and will be celebrating her first anniversary with us soon. She loves working with her colleagues and has thoroughly enjoyed the transition from being a student to a full-time employee.
Her dedication to her work was recently recognised and Olivia was awarded Te Ngākau Tapatahi Award - Champion and Collaboration and Integration: Team or Service along with her team members for all their efforts in ensuring all patients are accurately diagnosed and cared for.
Outside of work, Olivia enjoys her active lifestyle. She is trying her hand at tramping and is also learning how to surf. She also loves spending quality time with her family and friends.
Great mahi Olivia – thanks for all you do!