A social care setting

Caroline was a nurse in the NHS for over 40 years before she retired – But not for long!  She then came back to work as a registered manager in social care.  Before working in social care Caroline admits to believing all the horror stories you hear about the sector. She didn’t think for one minute, she would then choose this kind of new role and make the leap from a hospital ward to social care.

How do you actively engage with students? 

“the social care sector must be part of the narrative and to get the advert out there that good quality, person-centred care doesn’t just start and end with the NHS.  We must be an active part of the whole story and show students the real side of our work and what goes on.

“All of our students start with an introductory visit so that this can put them at ease even before day one.  Some, (like I did) have preconceived ideas about what working within a social care setting would be like and I’ve students confess they were dreading coming to a nursing home but now can’t wait!  That learning stays with them because once they start, they soon realise that social care is a great place to work and build their skills.  This soon dispels the myths about not being able to have opportunities to provide evidence of competency.”

What is included in weekly teaching sessions? 

When swallowing goes wrong’ or DOLS/MCA. They last about 90 minutes with a Q&A session. Once I am confident, they have understood the sessions the students have a copy of Handout and a Certificate of Attendance for their CPD file. The teaching sessions suit ALL the student disciplines.

Students are a real benefit to us, with, for example, innovations and current research ideas, as much as we benefit them in our practice exposures and support.

I believe that working in social care gives you greater autonomy as a professional and more opportunity to focus on relationships and communication as this is always key with the residents and to work with other multidisciplinary teams.  I agree it is hard work and not an easy path, but it forces you to think in innovative ways to help residents get the support they deserve.   If anything, the work I do now is far more complex and rewarding than my time spent on a ward.