For Carers Week, we want to shine a light on our support workers and the fantastic work they carry out daily. We have asked one of our night shift support worker’s, Cassie, to give us a detailed insight into her role and what it's like working in the caring profession.
Cassie has worked with us for many years and has lots of caring experience, she is a fantastic support worker and we are so grateful to have her as a part of our team at Pulse Nursing at Home.
What are your responsibilities as a support worker?
My responsibilities consist of providing respite for the client's parents and caring for their child during the night. I make sure the child receives all of the medical and emotional support they need to ensure they can sleep and feel refreshed in the morning.
What does a typical working day look like?
At the start of my shift, I help the client get ready for bed. We have a quick chat about the things we are going to talk about in the morning whilst she gets ready for school. This gives her something to look forward to when she wakes up.
When the client awakens in the morning, they are always ready for a chat. Every morning, we talk about the day ahead and what they have planned for school. She is such a happy child and is most definitely a chatterbox!
I always make sure all of the client's medical equipment and medicine is laid out on a table and prepared at the start of every shift. I always come prepared with my bag full of food, drinks, magazines, and books, in case I need to take the client to the hospital.
This doesn’t happen often, but it’s always best to be prepared, and it makes me feel more organised for my shifts. I love spending quality time with the client on my shifts. I get to provide her with the very best complex care to ensure she can live a fulfilled and exciting life.
What is working night shifts like?
I’m much more of a night owl, so working night shifts suits my lifestyle perfectly. There are many reasons why I love working nights, but one of my favourite things is providing the client's parents with respite. They can relax, take a break and have a restful night's sleep.
I have a great professional relationship with the client and their parents. We work together and help each other to provide the best possible support for their child.
How do you ensure the client’s safety and care is prioritised?
Being prepared is the most important thing when it comes to caring for a client. They've put their trust in you, and in return, you need to make sure they are receiving the very best care and support.
I have my checklist ritual to make sure everything is laid out on a table and easy for me to access when I need it. Being prepared for the shift ahead means I can focus on the client and know if I need to provide her with any medical care, the equipment I need is already there.
Why did you become a support worker?
Before entering the care profession, I worked as a nanny for many years. I loved caring for children and building relationships with them and their parents. Their outlook on their lives is so empowering and amazing to witness.
When working as a nanny, one of my client’s parents told me about the caring profession. They told me I would be perfect for it. I have always been interested in medical care, so working as a support worker was ideal for me.
Since then, I joined the care profession and never looked back. I love my job and the lifestyle I lead. Working for Pulse Nursing at Home provides me with shifts that suit my lifestyle and caring for a lovely client and supporting their family. I can have a life outside of work and care for my children as well.
We’re always looking to expand our team of support workers at Pulse Nursing at Home. If you’re interested in joining us, simply register with us here, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.