Student Sarah grateful for 'nurse in charge’ opportunity at care home
A University of Chester student has reflected on her “empowering” day in the life of a nurse at a care home on the outskirts of the city.
Nursing student Sarah Rogerson’s experience of being the nurse in charge for the day at Thornton Manor Nursing Home saw her carrying out the full duties the job role entailed, while under constant supervision.
Sarah, who had 16 years’ previous experience within nursing homes, was given the opportunity by the home’s registered manager during her second-year placement at the nursing home, having discussed the role with her practice assessor and the practice education facilitator for social care.
Sarah explained: “I acted as the ‘nurse in charge’ for that day carrying out the full duties the job role entailed under constant supervision. Any decisions that needed to be made were brought to my attention, I made informed decisions and justified my reasoning behind this.”
Tasks included administering medication to residents living with dementia and conversing with residents requiring early intervention, as well as offering full care and support after a resident had an unwitnessed fall.
Sarah added she was grateful to the support and kind words of care home staff and the registered nurse manager throughout the day, adding the “hard day's work” had “helped me to see the nurse I want to become”, and she would “absolutely” do it again.
Sarah was subsequently invited to attend a meeting with the University and a representative from an organisation called Skills for Care, where they discussed the experience she had and the importance of the role of nurses in nursing homes. Sarah was then invited to present her experience at a Skills for Care event, titled Valuing Social Care in Nursing Education, as a guest speaker at the University of Salford.
It was at this event where Sarah was approached by a reporter for The Nursing Standard, who expressed interest in her talk and experience, publishing her words online and in print.
Sarah added: “The opportunity I have been given at Thornton Manor has shown me what it is actually like to be the nurse in charge for the day. I am more aware of what to expect once I have qualified and am grateful, I was able to have this experience and live the reality of the job role I want.”
Lisa King, Head of Practice Education and Simulated Learning at the University of Chester, said: “Sarah’s account of wanting to become a nurse within social care, and her personal perspective she provided in relation to her social care placement, has been met with positive feedback and praise. This is such an important area for students to consider as a career opportunity and I hope Sarah continues to promote social care within the sector and wish her all the best for the future.”