Taking on the role of a Healthcare Assistant allows you to make an invaluable difference to a person’s life. Caring and supporting those that are amongst the most vulnerable in our society certainly comes with its own unique set of challenges, however many Care Assistants are united in their opinion that role itself is one of the most rewarding jobs that you can do.
We caught up with Samantha, who has been working with QS Care for the past 18 months, to gain an insight into her thoughts and experiences of working as a Healthcare Assistant.
“I have worked in the Care Sector for 8 years”
“My background is predominantly Administration, Business and Marketing. I am also a fully trained Black Apron Barista! .. and yes, I can do the fancy patterns on your cappuccino!
I had never considered a career in the Care Sector, though it had been suggested to me as a good fit Career-wise many times over the years. My life changed forever on 15th September 2006. My Father, a beloved Grandad and also my Best Friend, was suddenly without warning, diagnosed with Stage 4 Bowel Cancer. My Father passed away just after midnight, Christmas Eve 2006.
That time spent helping to care for my father, seeing and meeting so many, absolutely dedicated to him and his care. The kindness, the compassion and the amazing professionals I met in those short months, I could never thank or repay enough. Shortly after my father passed away, I resigned from my lucrative career in Marketing and started my first position, minimum wage, 12 hour night shifts, in a small Nursing Home near to my home in Mapperley.”
“Whether commencing your first position in Care, gaining new employment, or indeed registering with a Care Agency, it is standard practice to complete an induction, before your first day working. This will comprise of Moving and Handling, Infection Control etc, more so now you will complete online training also. As your career in Care progresses, you may wish to advance to a Senior or Team Leader etc, I have Level 2, Level 3, plus the Care Certificate.”
“I feel incredibly privileged to go to each and every shift I do, with the same enthusiasm, passion and genuine love for my career today, as I had 8 years ago. It means so much to me that I am entrusted to care and support some of the most vulnerable people in society, especially by their families. My career means everything to me and personally, it is extremely rewarding to know I am making a very positive difference to individuals’ quality of life, allowing their families some peace of mind.”
“Common Sense!
Empathy – if you are unable to relate to the people in your care, to WANT to care? This is not the career for you.
The ability to remain calm under pressure! No 2 shifts are the same, no 2 clients are the same, a calm, methodical persona – can really make a shift run smoothly and inspire others to ENJOY their shift too!”
“My advice to anyone thinking of a career in Care or Support? Do some research, talk to friends, family, neighbours, Google, gain a basic knowledge and understanding of the different types of Care and most importantly, know that you are able to fully commit to this career, emotionally, physically and reliably.”
If you are looking for more information regarding working within the care sector, contact our friendly and helpful team at QS Care here
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