Sarah

What attracted you to become a Senior Nursing Assistant?

From a young age family and friends have always told me that I have a very caring nature. Before I decided to start my first caring job I had already been looking after my Granny who had suffered from a stroke. This was a real “reality shock” to me as I had never realised how much someone would have to rely on others just to do the simplest of things that we take for granted every day.

I started my first job as a community care worker and absolutely loved it. I brought a smile to each service user’s face and that to me was a reward on its own.

Over the years I have tried a lot of jobs and went tried a few different career paths but being a nursing assistant has been a calling to me. That is why I am now a Senior Health care Assistant for Aughnacloy House nursing home, for the past 2 years. It is such a rewarding job that I absolutely love.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

There are many things I enjoy about my job, knowing that every day I go into work, I am making a difference in someone’s life is amazing. I enjoy getting to know each resident, their likes and dislikes, the way they like things done and being able to do that will always put a smile on their faces.

I love listening to their stories about the past, their family life and what has made them into the person they are today. As the senior healthcare assistant on the floor I enjoy helping my colleagues as much as I can. Knowing that my colleagues feel comfortable confiding in me and being able to help them is what makes a happy working environment.

Tell us about your most memorable moment in your role.

I have so many memories and experiences within my role that I will never forget. But my most memorable would have to be the time myself and another member of staff dressed up as the Easter bunny on Easter Sunday and gave each resident a treat. Not only did this lift the atmosphere of the home that day. It brought joy and laughter to every single resident. I will always remember the smiles and laughter it brought to all the staff and residents.

How do you see your career developing as a Nursing Assistant?

Being a senior healthcare assistant for over two years has been an amazing experience for me. It has given me the confidence to apply to Queens University, Belfast, to further my career and aim to get my nursing degree. I got accepted onto the course and I am commencing my 3-year journey to becoming a qualified nurse in February 2019. I am absolutely over the moon and cannot wait to see what the future holds.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career as a Nursing Assistant?

The advice I would give to someone considering a career as a nursing assistant would be to just go for it. I can honestly say that it is by no means an easy job which can be both physically and mentally challenging but there is no other job on this earth that is as rewarding as mine.  Knowing that I make a difference in someone’s life each and every day and help them in any way I can makes me go home at night with a smile on my face.  Not only are they gratefully thankful but their friends and families are thankful as well because we are also making a difference in their lives.  They appreciate all the time and effort we put in to help them.