Waverley House

After finishing my degree I returned to live in the Leominster area, I was looking for a job to get into the health care sector. I applied for several care positions, Waverley’s “care for them like your own family” attitude is what drew me to them.

When I first started at Waverley I was extremely nervous and had zero experience with helping to care for others. The team were fantastic showing me around and able to answer all my questions. One benefit of working for Shaw is the 70 hours shadowing period. In other care settings, this can period can be as low as 12 hours. Shadowing over a longer period like this allowed me to learn from staff in a hands-on approach, in turn, this allowed myself and the resident to feel confident in my ability to carry out high-quality care when I started my shifts.

I had been a support worker for two years when the position of a team leader became available. I had worked hard as a support worker and felt ready to progress in my career, after an interview I was offered the position.

My current role includes liasing with other health care professionals such as doctors and social workers. It involves me creating care plans individually tailored to each resident under my care. Care plans highlight client's specific needs and includes important information in regards to an individual's care. As a team leader, I am also responsible for a team of care staff in the delivery of care to residents in a designated residential unit. I am responsible for the management and administration of medication. My role includes working effectively with others within the home to ensure resident's needs are safely met. Furthermore, I strive to champion person-centred care approaches. It is my responsibility to maintain knowledge of the organisation’s responsibilities under the CQC regulations, including residents’ rights. In addition to Work in compliance with Shaw Healthcare Policies & Procedures.

Working for the Waverley House has provided me with the opportunity to develop my career within health care. Waverley House is currently part of an exciting development leadership program which are looking for future management candidates amongst their current staff. After an interview process, I was offered the role of an engagement champion. This new role, alongside my team leader position, will allow me to work more closely with management, helping me to develop my leadership style and support new and current staff within the home.

I have been a part of the Waverley Team for two years and it has been a fulfilling experience to work amongst some of the most caring and knowledgeable individuals. It has been an honour to accompany our residents along this important journey of their lives, and provide the wellness, happiness and kindness along the way. I like working at Waverley because amidst all that may seem uncertain to our residents and their families, we provide the certainty of a home away from home. The Waverley Warmth is an experience to be felt, and its great to be a part of that.