Hands-on experience whilst studying towards qualification

Working as a health care assistant (HCA) offers practical skills and knowledge to help whilst studying for a career in nursing, as Verity found out.

Verity Bendall-Jones, 18 and from Criccieth, has worked as a HCA at Meddyg Care since December 2020 while completing an access to healthcare qualification at Coleg Menai.

Her role involves supporting residents, helping them in and out of bed, assisting with mealtimes and building relationships with those in the home.

Verity applied for a job at Meddyg Care to gain experience that will help her become a nurse. She is hoping to study nursing at a university in Liverpool once she has gained her access to healthcare qualification.

She said: “My college work and role at Meddyg Care really complement each other because I use what I’ve learnt on my course with the residents and likewise I can use it in my coursework and exams.

“I love working as a health care assistant with older people, and the whole team is really supportive and accommodating. My shifts work around my college work so I can balance both; I don’t feel like I have to sacrifice anything.

“The access to healthcare qualification is aimed at people who want a career change. I started doing A Levels in biology, English and product design at Coleg Menai but decided to leave to pursue a career in caring instead and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.

“A typical day involves coming in at 7:45am ready to start at 8am. I’ll help residents get out of bed and into the shower and then assist with breakfast. We’ll sit with them and chat in between meals and make sure they’re taking in enough fluids throughout the day.

“My favourite thing about my job is building a genuine connection with the residents, I love all of them. They always make me laugh and I enjoy speaking with them. I’ve learnt so much since my first day here.

“The biggest challenge has been getting used to the 12-hour shifts but Meddyg Care eased me into them slowly, starting with a few hours each morning and building it up.

“My advice to anyone wanting to try is to just give it a go, you’ll never know unless you take that first step. Don’t second guess what you’ll be doing either. Working in care is one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

If you would like to find out more about careers at Meddyg Care, contact Lisa Ball – lisa.ball@meddygcare.co.uk, 01766 800 900 option 6.