It’s never too late to start a career in healthcare, no matter what your background is. Just like Kyle, who started off studying and working in the music and art industry. Fast forward 10 years, Kyle is now a Registered Manager at Clipstone House – a Learning Disabilities and Autism service.
Find out how Kyle started his career in healthcare working as a newly qualified Nurse, and how he worked his way up to a Registered Manager with the support of training and development opportunities from Elysium.
Tell us about your career background. How did you get into Nursing?
My original background was in music and art with my first degree being in music. I always wanted to be a tattoo artist, so I was an apprentice tattoo artist for a little while up until I had my daughter. At this stage I wanted a career that was a bit more stable and consistent. My sister was a Nurse in A&E at the time in Lincoln and I have always looked up to my sister, so she inspired me to become a Mental Health Nurse. She’s training to be a surgeon now, so we have this friendly competition for progression between us.
There’s some mental illness in the family as well, so that also drew me more towards the mental health side meaning that I could learn more about mental health and understand, what drives these things and how we can treat these diagnosis’. So that’s what got me into mental health nursing.
I went back to University to study Mental health nursing and one of my placements in my third year was at a hospital called Meadowview Hospital which, at the time, was owned by another company. They had lots of elderly care homes, plus two secure units – Meadowview being one of them. When I qualified, I went to work there and Elysium took over these units a year after I started, so I then started working for Elysium Healthcare. I’ve been with the company around 10 years now.
Then I worked through the ranks from newly qualified nurse to Staff Nurse, Team Leader, and then became Ward Manager. I was in the secure services side for around 7 years but decided to move on so I could work more within the community-based services.
So, I moved to Healthlinc Apartments in the Learning Disabilities and Autism sector, which is more community focused and then the opportunity came up to move to Clipstone House, which is where I am now as the Registered Manager. I’ve been here two years. The rest is history.
I am absolutely loving every minute of it and I’m looking forward to what comes next.
Can you give us a run-down of your current role?
My day-to-day role is more the operational management of the service now. So, although I am a Registered Clinician and I do support with clinical aspects of the nursing, I also do a bit of everything from finance, admin, budgets, shift and resource planning to report writing, ensuring compliance for regulatory bodies as well as internal audits and compliance needs. So, it’s running the ship, really. Supporting and leading the team to be the best they can be.
What training have you done with Elysium? What opportunities have you been given?
I have had various opportunities in different paths of my career development. When I was a Charge Nurse I did additional training courses such as phlebotomy, so I was taking Bloods and training for ECG’S whilst at the bigger hospital.
I did Train-the-Trainer courses which allowed me to help with inductions and provided training to new starters and support workers.
I was supported to do the Mentorship programme, making me a sign-off mentor for student nursing as well.
I also did EATS (Education and Training) which is preparing to teach in the adult sector so that I could then provide more training.
Since moving into the Registered Managers position, I’ve been doing my Level 5 in Operation Management and Leadership. It’s a dual qualification that I’m doing – so The Institute of Leadership and Management qualification, but also alongside the Level 5 in Operational Management. I’ve been doing this qualification for 18 months and I have my final presentation soon.
Where do you see yourself next?
I’ve got such a supportive line manager, one of the Regional Leads, and we’ve discussed what’s next, I’m thinking level 7 and then building even further within my career.
I am one of these five-year plan type of guys. I always want to have something to aim towards but right now, part of that five-year plan includes a break in progression as I’m getting married and building my home life.
I think the natural next step for me would be a regional role, I would really like to support a service opening from scratch. I’ve always wanted to learn. I’ve got a thirst for knowledge and expanding on what I can give back to the company.
I believe in the company. I believe in the values. They have invested in me, so I want to give back.
What is your favourite thing about working at Elysium?
That the people matter. You aren’t just a number.
Everyone from the CEO to a part time Housekeeper, everyone knows everyone. Everyone values and respects everybody. You’re not just a cleaner. You’re not just a maintenance person. You’re not just a support worker. You’re not just a regional person that pops in and out now and again.
You matter to somebody. It shows and it reflects in the ethos of organisation.
The recognition and reward you get for giving as much as you get back.
Even with the residents, you know, yes it’s a business and you need people in the services, but it’s more than that, it’s about what’s best for the residents and breaking down barriers to achieve their best life.
What would you say to someone who’s looking to work for Elysium?
Why wouldn’t you?
I don’t even know how to put it into words. They just need to take the plunge, give it a chance, give Elysium a shot because if you’re willing to give it your best and your all, you will get that back in dividends. Whether it’s from the job satisfaction or just being part of the community and part of the team. To see the progress we make with our residents is worth so much more than the pay check.
What we do works and it shows. So, if you are in this job and career path for the right reasons,
like wanting to help people and giving them the best care that they can get, then trust the process, trust the company because it works, and the evidence is there.
If Kyle’s story has inspired you to join Elysium Healthcare and start your journey in a career that is rewarding, that offers job stability, lifelong learning, a wide range of career opportunities and the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives, then apply today.
You bring the determination and dedication, and we’ll give you the support and opportunities to help you achieve your career goals.
Click here to explore our vacancies and start your career in healthcare today!
Is a Career in Nursing Right for You?
If you have a passion for caring for others, thrive in fast-paced environments, and possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, then nursing could be the perfect career for you. From day to day care to leadership roles, there’s a nursing path that fits your strengths and interests.
As an Elysium Nurse you’ll develop expertise in patient care, medical treatments, and teamwork while making a real difference in people’s lives. A career in nursing is challenging, rewarding, and life-changing. If you’re ready to provide compassionate care and support to those in need, we’d love to hear from you.