Her career in care began as a Health Care Assistant. After working in different homes, she decided she wanted to progress her career and enrolled at university to start her Nurse training, qualifying in 2016.
After leaving the NHS in pursuit of a new role where she could focus her efforts on making a positive impact on people’s lives, she took the perfect next step and came to join us at Blackmoor.
How have you found the training and support on offer since joining Exemplar Health Care?
When I first started with Exemplar Health Care the support that I received was actually overwhelming.
I remember family and friends asking me how my new job was going, and I would almost become quite emotional, because I was in disbelief about how much support was offered to me at the start and that level of support is still continuing to this day.
It’s really clear to see that everyone cares so deeply, they want you to succeed and be the best you can be, and most importantly I believe they want you to be happy in your role. There’s also are no ceilings when it comes to your training, if there’s ever anything you wanted to do there will always be someone who will support and encourage you to achieve that.
I had somebody asked me yesterday, ‘What's it like to work for Exemplar Health Care?’ And the only thing I could say was that you would never look back. It’s just amazing, the training and support is the best I've ever known.
Can you tell us a bit more about working at Blackmoor?
The overwhelming word that comes to mind is fun! We have such fun as staff which, doing the job we do and in a care setting, I feel is so important and you can really see that it filters into the rest of the home.
We are really proud to have created an environment full of love and happiness, for both staff and service users alike. I can honestly say Blackmoor has the best culture of any home I have ever seen.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day is so different and I wouldn’t change it for the world! First thing, I tend to have a quick walk around and say morning to my colleagues, check in on everyone on shift, ask if anyone needs any support from me, which is just a nice way for me to get updated on anything that might have happened and needs my attention.
I’ll also always catch up with each service user and have a bit of a chat with them about what they have planned for the day, if they’re going out or have anything exciting happening with the Activities Coordinators.
Then you’ll normally find me in the office taking phone calls or responding to emails. We try to consistently work on updating our processes and procedures so we can continue to support our staff and make this place the best possible place to work.
How do you feel your role differs at Blackmoor to previous nursing roles?
In social care, I feel like I've got more power to be able to rectify any concerns and actually have the time to make more of an effort to build those relationships with service users and their relatives, which are just so important. When you have that chance, it's just really rewarding because you know that you are making a difference to that service user and the family.
The nature of the NHS is that people tend to come and go, but I still think about patients that I’ve cared for and wonder if they're okay, whereas here I know they're okay because I see them all the time and it makes it much more personal. It really is a feeling of everyday togetherness within the home, which is very special.
"Seeing people who might not have had the level support they deserved in the past now thriving with it, is so rewarding.
"When morals are great and everyone is smiling and laughing; you really know that the work you’re doing is having an impact and you are making a difference."
What would you say to someone who is wanting to apply?
Come join us!
We are such a happy home, full of love and happiness. We’ll support you all the way and you will have a ball!