Orla Ruddy

This voluntary role allows me to gain an insight into the Health and Social Care working sector. My role involves handing meals out to patients in the wards, communicating with staff to utilise my time accordingly and encourage patients who struggle with meal time. This role is on a weekend basis. This role requires attention at all times to ensure all policies and regulations are followed to maintain the dignity and safety of all patients. I build strong relationships with patients through encouraging trust and gentle communication.

This job allowed me to use the communication skills I have gained from my previous employment and further advance them through constant interaction with customers, staff and suppliers. I provided excellent customer service and maintained a positive attitude through high pressure periods to ensure customer satisfaction. I issued returns, used various technology devices for different tasks and provided advice to customers when necessary. Health and safety regulations were followed at all times in the work premises to maximise cleanliness and enhance customer experience. I worked a wide variety of shift times including 9am-5pm, 7am3pm, 2pm-10pm and 8am-4am. I collaborated with staff members efficiently to maintain smooth operations within the workplace. I further enhanced my skills with money through using tills, processing transactions and making up floats for the next working day.

In this job I learned and perfected various new skills and gained experience working with the general public. Throughout my time in LDV Newry, I worked under immense pressure to ensure my communication was delivered adequately to customers to minimise the risk of them feeling unsatisfied with their service. I also gained skills working with money through using tills, handling transactions, preparing and distributing floats and safe break downs. Demonstrating a positive attitude throughout each shift was a priority of mine to ensure a friendly environment was maintained. Part of my role entailed maintaining a cleanly environment and meeting hygiene standards which required me to follow a cleaning rota for each shift. My skills with technology advanced significantly as a result of this job due to the use of tills, computers and other devices to complete my roles.

I left this job due to the pressure of completing my A levels and decided to prioritise my education.