My NHS career in the UK started as a health assistant in Interventional Radiology at Freeman Hospital – I also worked on one of the Urology Wards as a bank nurse.
I had actually qualified as a Physiotherapist when I lived in Poland but was not registered in the UK. After 3 years at the Freeman I decided to return to my original profession.
I got a post as a Physiotherapy Assistant progressing to Physiotherapy Associate Practitioner on the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit at the Freeman Hospital where I have been for over 6 years.
I absolutely love my job – my team is great and very supportive. I find the Trust an amazing organisation to work for with lots of opportunities for professional development.
Training in the HCA Academy was a great experience before starting on the wards.
I had worked as a HCA in a care home before joining the NHS and thought I didn’t need any training, but I was wrong!
I found my time in the Academy very informative giving lots of skills and tips that I could put into practice as well as important policies and procedures.
Thanks to my time in the HCA Academy I now feel able to help my nursing colleagues care for patients from a wider perspective, not just physiotherapy.
My advice for new HCSWs would be – don’t be afraid to ask questions. Definitely don’t skip theory as this is very important and use the time you are given to practice your skills on the mannequins.
Be confident and remember you are a valued member of the team. Nurses and most importantly of all patients need you and appreciate all you do. Good luck!
#WeAreHCSWs
