Sometimes people don't know what to expect when starting a career in care.

Mary Austin, a Care Assistant and Support Worker from Newton Abbot, tells us about her journey.

Starting a new job after 24 years with the same company was quite daunting. I chose social care agency work as my last job was office work and I wanted to be with real people!

I chose Nurseplus because they are an established organisation and support flexible working hours – so your work can fit with other responsibilities in your life.

I had some experience in adult social care, but it was a long time ago. The 4-day Induction training was really helpful to update knowledge, practice skills and gain confidence. For people completely new to social care, you can do some or all of the Induction again if it helps you to feel more confident.

I give Nurseplus my availability and times when I definitely can’t work. Sometimes there are shifts that can be booked a week in advance. Sometimes shifts become available on the day. The benefits of agency work is that you can pick up extra shifts if you want and you can choose those within easy reach of your home.

The first assignment was nerve-racking: unfamiliar building; unfamiliar equipment and all those names to remember. However, I have found that staff do not mind being asked – better to get advice than to cause an accident.

To help with names, I am now in the habit of introducing myself to everyone I meet and being upfront about my forgetfulness with ‘ we have met, haven’t we’ ‘just remind me of your name...’ Hopefully people think me endearing rather than batty!

Don’t forget to ask for the care plans. These vary from being on an Ipad to being spread across three-ring binders! Use the staff and relatives to give you the ‘real person’ to compliment the sometimes clinical descriptions the written versions give you (and there might not be time to read about everyone). It is really important for you to know something e.g choking risks, specific ways of working with a person, usually the senior staff or key workers will let you know. If in doubt  - ask!!!

In some places, the pace is very fast and it can be hard to stick to your person-centred principles – going at the pace of the person – when there is so much to do. Make each moment with a person count: remind them of your name and ask/use theirs; say lots of nice things about their family photos/clothes/room – there’s always something to chat about. Personalise the moments and you will leave people feeling good even if your time with them has been short.

Agency staff are expected to ‘hit the ground running’. A positive attitude helps; get stuck in; lots of compliments to the residents/clients and to the staff and don’t get sucked into any gossip.

Personally, I love agency work: a new job every day!

Top tips: Ask- don’t feel you are being a bother.

Carry a ‘kit bag’: snacks, pen, hand gel, watch. I also carry some activities to use in supported living homes – Jenga; adult colouring books and felt pens; dominoes – something to get folks away from the telly.

Be positive, smile and enjoy yourself – it’s such a privilege to be working with people. Wouldn’t you want to be with someone who wants to be with you?

Remember you’re moving and handling training and your safeguarding advice. If something doesn’t feel right to you – then it probably isn’t!

For more information contact your local branch or apply today!