Lily-Ann's Story

• September 16, 2024

Lily-Ann Bracey

Healthcare Assistant in the Community for our Isle of Wight Branch

Joined Charmes Care (Part of the First City Care Group): August 2024

Previous Employment: NHS Healthcare Assistant

1. What excites you about working in health and social care?

I have always had a passion for working in healthcare since I was 10 years old. Studied health and social care in college for 2 years and previously worked in a hospital. I have also always wanted to be a carer and now here I am finally being able to be one. I was over the moon I was ready to start this new carer. I have a real strong passion in helping and looking after people with there every day needs and I love making a positive impact on their lives and helping them maintain some independence and quality of life I love chatting to clients, making them happy, making them laugh and just seeing a smile on their face.

I also find it very rewarding / exciting having that human connection with clients whether that is providing emotional support or comfort or even just building the trust with a client so that they feel more comfortable with you carrying out care for them especially personal care and so they can build up their trust for you and just having that bond with each other.

2. How did you find the induction training with First City?

I really enjoyed the induction training especially the practical training as I prefer hands on rather than just looking at a PowerPoint and writing notes down as I prefer to be able to do it myself as I take it in better and it’s more fun that way. Everyone was so lovely especially the trainers, the management team and even the people who was also training with me. Everyone was so supportive, understanding and helpful. Overall, the training was great.

I was terrified to start my shadow shifts, I was anxious that I was going to mess up and that I wouldn’t be good enough. I don’t think anything can prepare you for your shadow shifts.

3. How has your introduction to the role been?

The recruitment process was really good and quick. Had an interview and the same day I got offered the job and then got put into a weeks induction training 4 days later . The management from Swindon managed to get all my paperwork’s and everything sorted so quickly so that when I moved to Isle of Wight, I was able to start straight away and I can’t thank them enough of how much effort and time that they put into this just so I wouldn’t be without a job and they knew how keen I was to start this job.

I was very nervous when I did my shadow shifts because if I’m honest it was very scary as it’s all new environment, new staff, new experience and different to the NHS. Going into each client’s house completely blind was terrifying. If I’m being honest, I was scared to speak, and my communication was poor. I was scared to ask questions. It was definitely a lot to take it which at the start I found draining. After a week of shadowing, I became more confident, starting to know clients. Started talking to the colleague I was shadowing and started to ask question. It all just started working out. I wouldn’t have been able to do this if it wasn’t for the amazing support I had from management and from my colleagues. I started to feel happier and started to get more involved and starting to understand.

It is tough and can sometimes be difficult and overwhelming at times as I’m still learning and still trying to get into my own routine. And trying to remember what you need to do for each clients as no one is the same as another client, but I know I have all the support from management and colleagues. There’s a lot more to care than what you think. Like I said it’s tough at first but it’s a very rewarding job and I would recommend this to anyone that has a strong passion for care.

4. Thinking about the start of your journey working for First City, how would you describe the company?

The management team have been so supportive even though they are very busy but they are always at the end of the phone to help, to advise you and just to be there if you ever need someone to talk to even if it’s not work related and to answer any queries or worry’s you may have. They always make you feel welcome no matter what. What I have learnt is that nothing is ever a stupid question and it’s always best to check with management team if you ever unsure about anything, even if you think it’s a stupid question it’s not . The management team always have your back and so do all your colleagues. Everyone at First City is like one big family.

5. What would you say to someone who is considering starting their career in health and social care, but they're still unsure?

If you're considering starting a career in health and social care but are still unsure. Then my best advice is it’s normal to have doubts especially when it comes to such an important field. Health and social care is incredibly rewarding because your making direct difference in people’s everyday lives. It offers a variety of roles, room for personal growth and long term job stability and it can be very tough and challenging at the same time and it can be scary at first especially if it will be your first job in healthcare.

I'd recommend thinking about whether you enjoy working with people, showing empathy, and solving problems, as these are key aspects of the job. Also, there's plenty of training and support available along the way, so you don't have to feel like you need to know everything from the start.

You’ll have the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally, gaining new skills that are transferable to many other roles within healthcare. Every day is different, which keeps things exciting and meaningful. If you're passionate about helping others, this could be a perfect fit.

6. Do you have any other comments you would like to share?

I have enjoyed working as part of First City so far, I feel like I have definitely become more confident as the weeks go on and now that I am able to do calls on my own it has boosted my confidence and communication, and I am now starting to get into my own routine and starting to understand everyone’s needs. I am definitely starting to take more of the lead role in double ups too, just so I can gain more practice and because I’m starting to know what each client needs. I still ask my colleagues questions but that is normal as I’m still new. I have loved working as part of a new team and learning new skills. Would highly recommend working for First City.