A Day in the Life: Nicola
Our Deputy Head of the Care Experience Team, Nicola, tells us about how she progressed in her career with Home Instead.
Meet Nicola who joined us at Home Instead Altrincham, Sale & Wythenshawe in January 2018 as a Care Professional, but quickly progressed into our Deputy Head of the Care Experience Team. We sat down with Nicola who tells us about what her day to day looks like in her role.
Nicola has worked in Health and Social Care for over 12 years starting at 18 years old! She has built a comprehensive understanding of peoples’ social and care needs especially those living with dementia and learning difficulties. Nicola is currently finalising her NVQ4 qualification, balancing her home life as a mum.
What does a typical day involve?
I like to get to know our Care Professionals straight away. I introduce myself during their recruitment journeys as I will be their first point of call for any queries and questions once they start delivering care. It’s my job to make sure that our Care Professionals are trained and feel confident in their role so that they can, in turn, support our clients with professionalism and skill to keep them as safe and independent as they can be.
What made you want to start a career in care?
My dream was to be a social worker as I always had a passion for the Health and Social Care sector. My first full time job was in an EMI nursing home and I just fell in love with it.
Why did you choose to work for Home Instead Altrincham, Sale & Wythenshawe?
I applied to be a Care Professional back in 2018 as I loved the idea of minimum 1-hour calls with regular clients. I came from a background of commission care that encouraged 15-minute care calls where I wasn’t able to provide any quality care. Home Instead Altrincham, Sale & Wythenshawe offered me the opportunity to deliver quality, unrushed care with clients that were really local to me.
How did you progress into your current role?
After loving my role as a Care Professional out in our community of Altrincham, Sale & Wythenshawe, I was asked if I would like to further my career and join the Client Lead team in which I focused on client experience. This is where I developed mu communication skills and understanding of policies and procedures, keeping both our clients and Care Pros safe. Being involved with the Care Pros naturally developed my love for them so when the opportunity came up to be the Deputy Head of Care Experience Team I took it! I work alongside 3 field Care Supervisors and our main focus is ensuring that our Care Pros are supported in their role. Since progressing with Home Instead, I have completed the Train the Trainer Course in moving & handling, medication and Basic Life Support.
What has been your favourite thing about working for Home Instead Altrincham, Sale & Wythenshawe so far?
I have been surrounded by the best team since day one who really have supported me to be my best and develop in my career. I’ve built such great relationships with the office and Care Professional team – they’ve become like family!
What would you say makes a great Care Professional?
I think it’s important to be open minded and be flexible to adapt to different people’s needs. All of our clients are so different. They have all lived different lives and require different levels of care so definitely someone who accommodate to them. I’m always available to support our care Professionals where they are unsure.
What would you say to someone considering career in care with Home Instead Altrincham, Sale & Wythenshawe?
Be brave and go for it! We provide you with all the training you need to be confident. Our best care Professionals don’t always have a background in care but are all kind compassionate people who want to make a difference every day. I always say ‘if you have a good heart, you will be a good Care Professional’.
If you are a compassionate ‘people’ person and looking for role with flexible hours, visit our current vacancies page or speak to our friendly Recruitment Manager, Sian on 07494 476 005.
Home Instead Altrincham, Sale & Wythenshawe covers the Trafford and South Manchester areas including: Sale, Sale West, Sale Moor, Northern Moor, Northenden, Ashton On Mersey, Brooklands, West Timperley, Timperley, Oldfield Brow, Altrincham, Broadheath, Dunham, Bowdon, Hale, Hale Barns, Baguley, Broomwood, Wythenshawe, Newall Green, Well Green.