Senior Nursing Assistant

Job/Role Summary

Assisting nurses with care of patients.
Being an advocate for patients.
Assisting Ward Sister with jobs within the ward.
Ensuring stock on ward is available for everyone and re ordering where necessary.

Specific qualifications and experience required

Level 3 health and social care or equivalent.
6 months experience in a health care setting.

Career Milestones

From a young age I have always wanted to be a nurse. Caring for people has always been a passion of mine. I started out volunteering in a nursing home at the age of 16. When I turned 18 I was successful in getting a job as a care assistant. I achieved my BTEC Level 3 in Health and Social Care diploma and applied for a Nursing degree.
I gained a place at Queens University Belfast on the Adult Nursing Programme. I knew I was on the right career path however, I did feel that I was too young to be put in a position of so much responsibility, so I left the course which was a very hard decision.
I then went into the hospitality sector but I wasn’t happy and soon found myself back into the caring profession. In January 2016 I started as a Band 2 Health Care Assistant and in May 2017 I progressed to Band 3 post. Currently I am studying a certificate course in Health and Social Care (K101) with The Open University supported by the Trust. In the near future I hope to commence my nursing degree.

What attracted you to this job?

Being able to assist patients in activities of daily living.
The opportunity to be able to progress further in my career.

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

Caring for people and seeing them getting better.
Working with a team who provide the best care possible to patients.
Helping patients with the little things that mean a lot to them.

Challenging aspects of the job/role

Dealing with patients with mental health problems or challenging behaviour.
Providing comfort to families in times of need.

Important success factors

A member of the Project Retain.
Falls Champion for the Ward.

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

I would encourage anyone to take this role as I feel rewarded in assisting multi-disciplinary teams in providing the best possible care for patients.
It is important to be aware of different factors in deterioration of patients and how to follow protocol to raise concerns. You must be willing to undertake additional educational courses to maximise your knowledge and skills development.

Key skills that can be gained within this job/role?

Time management skills.
Communication skills.
Skills in dealing with difficult situations.
Skills in dealing with the public during a very anxious, vulnerable time of their lives.

Career Profiles