We want to join in on shining a spotlight on the nursing support workforce across the UK, highlighting the vital contribution they make to supporting patients in health and social care.
The aim of the day this year is to break down some of the preconceptions about nursing support workers and get to the heart of who they are, what they do and why they’re essential to the nursing workforce.
The true extent of the work carried out by the nursing support workforce is often hidden, and their value underestimated. Nursing Support Workers’ Day is an opportunity to amplify their voice, raise awareness, and celebrate the work they do.
In our latest blog we are delighted to share the experiences of Anna Kowalska and Melanie Knees, two of our Nursing Support Workers at Cygnet Hospital Beckton.
Anna Kowalska
My journey as a nursing support worker started nearly nine years ago. I did not have any experience working with mental health at all. However I was always an amazing talker and a very open person with lots of compassion and empathy. A friend who was working in Cygnet advised I would be really good if I became a support worker. I did my research and decided I would like to make a difference and help as many people as I can.
My job has changed many times throughout the nine years, I’ve started as a bank staff and worked through all four wards in my hospital, finally settling on the rehabilitation ward. I have met some amazing staff who had the same vision in making other people life’s better. They have also seen my potential and supported me to develop. I got involved with the violence reduction team and became a PMVA instructor and later PMVA and reducing restrictive practice lead for the hospital.
The best thing about my job is to see patients recover and go home. I have cried many times in my job but this would mostly be tears of joy. Seeing patients get better and get reunited with families and make plans for the future is so rewarding. It’s nice to go home and think that all the hard work has paid off and you have made a difference in another person life.
The biggest preconception about nursing support workers is that there are no opportunities for career progression other than registered nurse. When I started I was under the impression the only progression for support workers will be to become a registered nurse. My manager helped me to see other options, and I have progressed in the violence reduction field. There are also other opportunities for support staff like social therapist, occupational therapist, social work, training and development, admin and many more.
You don’t need to be a professional to become a NSW, all it takes is to be caring and wanting to make a difference. This job will allow you to see the world in a different light, appreciate what you have and give you the biggest reward any job can give – being proud of changing people’s lives.
Melanie Knees
I first decided to become a Support Worker to experience a new challenge for myself. I have always had a caring nature, and wanted to experience helping those in crisis. Initially I thought I might want to specifically help the elderly, then I somehow just seemed to fall into the mental health sector.
I initially had my reservations, but I think that was as a result of the stereotypes and preconceptions that come along with mental health. Despite this, I was still eager to give it a go. I am so pleased I did.
I thoroughly enjoy my job now, and love doing what I do. I love seeing patients become well again and find their way back into the community and live their lives to the best of their abilities. It’s very rewarding when you observed someone you have helped through a difficult time come out the other end and thank you for your help. It is important that they know, we as staff are only a small part of their recovery, and that they have done the hardest part.
I have also got memorable patients that have come to us very unwell and feeling hopeless that their lives will never be what they want them to be. They often come here adamant that they will not be able to get through this difficult time. It is so positive to see the changes over time.
I think the most important part for me, is getting to know our patients. No two days are ever the same. You never know what kind of day you’re about to walk into, but you just deal with every step as it comes. I could have a day where I’m engaging with patients on the ward environment or I could be going on a trip with them to see family. That’s also nice as you get to meet extended families and actually get to know them as-well. You’re busy from the start of your day up to the end of the day; there is always someone that needs help in one way or another.
There are lots of preconceptions about working within mental health. It’s nothing like what you imagine it to be. The patients are the same as you. They are people with feelings and emotions they just find it harder to deal with those feelings and harder to speak about them. That’s why I’m there to try and slowly help them and teach them new skills to be able to do that.
There is lots of room for progression not only to become a Nurse but there are other roles that you can do within the setting. I myself now do the training for Security Search for new starters on a monthly basis which has enabled me to develop my skills set but also widened my contact network.
It really is a very rewarding role, you get to meet different people from all different walks of life and you also get to help someone fulfil their life and change their ways of thinking, giving them different tools to help them through a crisis.
To find out more about working as a Nursing Support Worker at Cygnet and to view our current vacancies please visit our Careers website.