Job Title
Where are you based?
Hospital
Is your role clinical or non-clinical?
Clinical
What qualifications did you have when you joined the NHS?
Level 2/3 NVQ Hospitality.
How did you come to work in the NHS?
I was working in hospitality and, after my children were born, I wanted a complete career change. I worked as a carer in the community then a support worker and then started as a Band 3 Therapy Assistant. I am now training to become an Occupational Therapist.
Briefly explain your job
I assist the physiotherapists and occupational therapist to discharge patients home safely, ensuring they have the right support such as carers and equipment, or referring patients for rehabilitation or on-going assessment.
What do you love about your job?
The variety. Every day is different. Meeting lots of different patients and problem solving.
What is challenging about your role?
Discharge planning can be tricky. You need to think outside the box in order to get the best for your patients.
Which colleagues support you in your role?
Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Nurses, discharge teams, Doctors and patient-flow coordinators.
Is there career progression in your role and how would you get there?
To become a qualified Occupational Therapist, there are opportunities for an apprenticeship which I am currently enrolled on. This is a 4-year degree which involves 2 days of University work a week whilst you work the other 3 days. To become a Physiotherapist, you need to study at University full-time for a degree.
What would you say to a young person thinking of joining the NHS?
Be prepared to work hard, it’s worth it. There are lots of different opportunities that arise and chances to progress if you wish to.