A day in the life of an agency nurse

A recent UK census found that men make up just 15.3% of the care sector workforce.

We know from our own experience that there are some clients who would prefer a male carer to come out and visit them, but traditionally the media representation of males as carers has been lacking. However, the roles available in care are just as suited to men, providing a rewarding career choice with great flexibility.

At Nurse Plus, we are flexible in our approach to recruitment, offering a variety of roles including homecare, domiciliary care and supported living.

David Kitchin, who has recently started working with the Nurseplus team in Worcester, discusses why he loves care work.

"Having been a qualified RMN for nearly 20 years I have had a varied employment history. I worked on the acute psychiatric wards for many years. From there, I took a full-time position as a psychiatric nurse at HMP Hewell in Redditch. I have now been working full time as a reception nurse manager for Care UK within HMP Hewell for the last 2 years. Predominantly, my role involves assessing people as they come through the doors but I don't unfortunately often have any further contact with them.

As a result, I have been feeling as though I have been missing the ‘hands on’ patient care that I had so previously enjoyed.

Having spoken to a few colleagues about the work opportunities NursePlus were offering within nursing and the varied clinical settings they were covering, I decided to take the plunge and join. I have a  particular interest in elderly/dementia care having worked in many care home/residential homes whilst I was a student nurse.

The whole recruitment process was made so smooth and easy by the fantastic team in the office and the practical mandatory training days I attended were full of relevant content. A refreshing change from the usual online training we as nurses often have to do.

I have completed 6 shifts now at 4 different care facilities so far since joining NursePlus and I have to say that every single shift has been enjoyable. I have been welcomed and made to feel part of the team on every shift.

I have also received some great feedback from all of my shifts, which the team in the Nurseplus office always relay back to you which helps to make you feel appreciated and not something you would expect as an agency worker."

If you or someone you know would like to begin a career where you will have the opportunity to make a real difference to someone’s life, then get in touch with your local Nurse Plus branch.