If you are passionate about caring for others and making a difference but don’t quite have the qualifications to become a Registered Nurse, have you considered breaking into the healthcare world as a Support Worker?
Starting your healthcare career as a Support Worker offers an ideal entry route to many options within the healthcare sector, especially for people with the commitment and enthusiasm but not the necessary academic qualifications. As a Support Worker you will play a vital role in supporting people with either learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health needs or communication difficulties and/or complex health needs to live independently. You will provide both physical and emotional support that someone might need to achieve their personal goal.
Within this article we spoke to Debi Alcock, a Registered Nursing Associate based at Elysium’s Moorlands Neurological Centre, who started her career at Elysium as a Support Worker. With inspiration from family members, life events, experience working as a Support Worker and with the support of Elysium, Debi is now a qualified Nursing Associate who is now studying to become a Mental Health Nurse. If you’re interested in starting a career in healthcare or an experienced care assistant/support worker looking to take the next step in their career, this Debi’s story is bound to inspire you to take that step.
Tell us more about how you started your career in healthcare? What inspired you to become a Support Worker?
My mum and sister both worked in healthcare so when I first left school at 18, I really wanted to go into healthcare and even took my nursing exams. However, I failed my exam by one mark, so essentially put that dream in a box on the shelf and dived into many other career paths over the years. I’m a qualified Aerobics Instructor, Gym Instructor, I worked in hair dressing, I ran a recruitment business and cleaning business for 15 years – You name it, I’ve done it. Then when I sold the recruitment business, I was looking for a part time position and my daughter worked at Moorlands Neurological Centre and thought I would love working there. So, I went back into healthcare working as a Support Worker. I started working part time initially and absolutely loved it. I just got straight back into it so ended up going back full time.
You are now a Qualified Nursing Associate; how did you take that next step up?
I first worked my way up to a Senior Support Worker and I got so much joy from it. I have so much passion for helping people and Elysium were looking for people who wanted to do their qualifications to become a Nursing Associate. To begin my training as a Nursing Associate, I needed my Maths and English GCSES at a A-C grade. At first, I was worried about being too old to go back to uni, but then I thought you can do anything you want in life; age shouldn’t hold you back and I have loved my Foundation Degree. I did one day a week of academic learning, and I was based at The Dean site doing work-based learning for the rest of the week. Within 18 months I became a qualified Nursing Associate. Elysium were so supportive throughout the time I was studying. The biggest burden when choosing to study is the financial costs, however this was all covered by Elysium and I was still paid my salary. This allowed me to excel in my career and remain a member of staff.
What is the transition like going from a Support Worker to a Nursing Associate?
It isn’t really a difficult transition between the two. Becoming a Nursing Associate gives you more of a general wider knowledge of general nursing and you gain a lot more clinical skill. Once you have your Nursing Associate qualification it gives you the ability to then go on to specialise, for example in learning disabilities or go on to study to become a Registered Nurse. I am now in the process of topping up my Nursing Associate qualification and specialising to become a Mental Health Nurse. By September, I will be a fully qualified nurse.
Elysium made the process pretty easy; the first step was to get in touch with a Lead Nurse, they interviewed me to make sure that I was dedicated to becoming a Nurse, I filled in some forms, and it went from there.
Why did you decide to specialise as a Mental Health Nurse?
I’ve got 10 years’ experience with learning disability and autism, so I thought getting more of a better understanding of mental health would give me another skillset. Everything we do at Elysium is under the mental health umbrella and I thought it would make me an allrounder. From a personal perspective, mental health has significantly affected my family, I lost both my father and brother to it. I supported my brother for years, attending rehab and meetings and I want to be able to make that difference for someone else.
What advice would you give to someone looking to become a Support Worker or looking to move their career to healthcare?
It is a really rewarding job, but it isn’t for everyone. To become a Support Worker, you really need to be compassionate and understanding. You need to be able to see things from the service users’ point of view. The best way to think of it, is imagine that the person you are looking after is someone’s parent or someone’s child. You need to think of the bigger picture and give someone the care you would want someone to give to your family member. I think having a caring nature is important and you must realise this isn’t just a job. You must be able to control your emotions because you will be in some tough situations and caring for really vulnerable people. So, you have to ask yourself; I am going to be looking after someone else’s personal care, am I able to do that for someone?
I think what has helped me in my role as a Support Worker was, I have had life experience. When I think back to when I wanted to become a Nurse at 18, I don’t think I was mature enough to be able to go into the role. Becoming a Support Worker is the best first step if you want to become a Nurse as it gives you great introduction to healthcare. It provides you with valuable skills and experience that will benefit you in a role as a Nurse and throughout your career. Thankfully at Elysium they have a Learning and Development team at provide courses to help you progress in your career and achieve your goals.
Whether you are looking for a career as a Support Worker or you are an experienced Support Worker looking to work in a team where you will feel valued, make a difference to the lives of others and have the opportunity to study to become a qualified nurse, there is a range of opportunities at Elysium across the country that are ready for you to apply. Click here to view our careers page and find a role today.
Is a Career as a Healthcare Assistant Right for You?
If you have a caring nature, enjoy working with people, and want to make a real difference in peoples lives, then becoming a healthcare assistant could be the perfect career for you. From supporting nurses and doctors to assisting service users with their daily needs, this role is the backbone of Elysium.
At Elysium you’ll develop hands-on skills in patient care, communication, and teamwork while building a rewarding and fulfilling career. A job as a healthcare assistant is challenging, meaningful, and full of opportunities to grow. If you’re ready to start your journey in healthcare, we’d love to hear from you.