Julie Brewer

I feel that within my job role as a care worker within a Dementia home and then on various wards in the hospital, I have always treated each individual resident and patient as singular person rather than as one of a group. Each person has their own particular personality and specific needs and I ensure that I personalise the care I give to the individual.

I take great care to maintain the dignity and make great efforts to work in a mutually respectful manner at all times, no matter what type of care is required.

I am a patient individual which is required when caring for patients who have varying levels of Dementia and have their own little ways, which can if not managed carefully lead to them to becoming unsettled, this can in turn upset them and the other patients.

Working independently and as part of a team is of no concern to me, as I am confident in my own abilities. As a team member I am able to follow directions given by my line manager and peers and communicate effectively concerns; communication and team work are vital in ensuring quality care is provided for all our patients. Clarity of written and oral communication is most important, as during the course of my duties I have had to liaise with District Nurses, GP Surgeries, Nurses, Safeguarding team and the residents/patients and their families.

I have been trained and am current in the use of a variety of mobility equipment such as hoists, turning aids and slide sheets. I am an ERGO trainer, which allows me to instruct and supervise other HCSW and Nurses on such equipment.

I have also provided palliative care for end of life residents. It is vital to maintain their dignity and treat them with the utmost respect at all times. It is also important that any family and friends are supported during this most difficult of circumstances and help them through what could be the most difficult time, ensuring empathy and professionalism is of the highest standard.

Alongside the care I give it is of the utmost importance that the patients documentation is kept up to date, such as any observations taken and the issue of medicines. I am comfortable in record keeping in both digital and hard copy formats.

Within any care environment there are times when emergencies can happen and the patients requires immediate response such as choking and as the lead it is imperative that I manage myself and the team to make sure the patient is suitable treated until I can complete a correct handover to medical staff.

Alongside these duties, I particularly enjoy the interaction I have with the patients and giving them some of my time when duties allow. This helps reassure some nervous patients and helps them relax prior to surgery.