Sue recalls that back when she was working in her dad’s pub in 2012, she always felt her passion for helping others meant that her career would lie elsewhere. When she suffered a tragic loss in her personal life, she decided to pursue a new role in adult social care. Since then, she’s not looked back, undertaking a range of training opportunities and gaining many new qualifications and experiences.
“I was working in my dad’s pub with him but while I loved the social aspect, I didn’t think it was my calling. Unfortunately, my brother had cancer and then I lost my best friend to cancer which was very difficult. My friend made me promise to do something else with my life before he passed away. I wasn’t able to support or say goodbye to him but what he said always stuck with me, so I decided to make my career change in 2012.
“The first job I had was as a domestic carer for three months. I then moved on to the care team for just under two years which led to me to gain a job as a Senior Care Assistant in 2014. After this I wanted to gain some qualifications, so I went to college to study nursing in 2015 and graduated in 2020.
“I love the job so much because no two days are the same. A typical day would involve me providing medication rounds to guests, administering personal care, sorting referrals to other services and general fun! We have tailored activities for each guest which is a side of the job I really enjoy.
“My favourite thing about the job, even though it’s a cliché, is you really get a sense of what you take for granted. Being able to help people with the smallest things is so rewarding. The appreciation you get from helping someone – it gives you such a sense of pride. The progression since I started has been amazing and I have Leuchie House and the amazing team to thank for that. They were very supportive while I was studying for my nursing degree. The job allows for flexibility which suits a wide array of people.”
Sue’s advice to people looking to apply for an adult social care position:
“I would say, if you care about people and want to make a difference, then definitely apply. I knew it would be rewarding, but I wasn’t expecting the amount of support I’d get through further education and bettering myself. I’m now in a position I’d never dreamed of when I first applied and got knocked back. So definitely keep with it, it’s worth it in the end.”
