November 21, 2025#WeAreNorthern
Meet Susan Abdel-Sayed, Assessor/Registered Nurse, DH-Northern Health-ACA-Northern Metro, Bundoora Centre, Northern Health.
Q: First, let’s start with your coffee order!
A: I don’t drink coffee! I usually get my caffeine fix from a Diet Coke, and occasionally I’ll have a hot chocolate.
Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health.
A: I started working at Northern Health on 11 July 2022, as a Comprehensive Assessor (Registered Nurse) with Northern Metro Aged Care Assessment (formerly known as Bundoora ACAS).
Before joining Northern Health, I worked for over 20 years on the GEM Unit at Western Health – Sunshine Hospital.
In my current role, I undertake assessments through the My Aged Care portal — either in an older client’s home, a community setting, Supported Residential Services, hospitals, or Residential Aged Care Facilities. I work in partnership with clients and their support networks to develop client-centred goals and determine eligibility for government-subsidised aged care services and approvals.
Q: What’s the best part of working at Northern Health?
A: There are so many positives about working at Northern Health — great work–life balance, feeling valued, supported, and appreciated, having independence and autonomy to manage my own day, job satisfaction, meeting new people, and opportunities for training and skill development.
If I had to choose just one, it would definitely be the amazing, supportive, professional, and dedicated multidisciplinary team I work with. They make every workday more enjoyable.
Q: What does a day in your job look like?
A: Every day is different. Some days I’m in clients’ homes conducting assessments to determine eligibility for home support or residential aged care. Other days I’m in hospital settings, assessing eligibility for programs such as the Transition Care Program or aged care approvals. I also conduct assessments in Residential Aged Care Facilities.
Each person I meet has their own, often complex, story to tell. During the assessment process, I provide an empathetic ear, education, guidance, and recommendations to clients and their support networks.
When I’m in the office, I’m usually busy booking interpreters, vehicles, and scheduling upcoming assessments.
Q: If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing instead?
A: Before I began my nursing degree, I always wanted to join the Victoria Police Force. I wanted a career where I could help people and make a difference. After finishing Year 12, the Police Academy was closed for intake, so I decided to study nursing — and I’ve never looked back!
Q: Favourite place to travel and why?
A: My favourite place to travel is Singapore. If I could live anywhere else besides Melbourne, it would definitely be there. The weather is warm, the country is clean and safe, the people are friendly, and the food and culture are incredible. I also love the shopping — especially along Orchard Road, which stays open late into the evenings!
Q: A book or movie that has stayed with you, and why?
A: The movie “Beaches” is an oldie but a goodie, and I’ve always had an emotional connection to it. It takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions — it made me laugh, and it definitely made me cry. It’s such a heartfelt tear-jerker.
