Nadine
After being made redundant from her job of 23 years, Nadine decided to take the opportunity to think about what she really wanted out of a career. Realising that her office-based role had been lacking in reward, she started the search for a position in care so that she could give something back to people in need.
“Joining the ECL team is the best thing I’ve ever done; I just wish I’d made the move years ago.”
Nadine says “Up until February 2020 I was working in an office for a company I’d been with since I was 18. I was perfectly comfortable and to be honest it had never occurred to me to do anything else, but then I was unexpectedly made redundant.”
“Losing the only job I’d ever known was an unnerving experience but it also gave me a chance to reflect and consider what I wanted out of my next role. I realised that spending my days in an office had left me feeling unfulfilled and I knew then that I wanted to find something more rewarding. I began looking for vacancies in care and came across ECL on social media – I’m so glad I did!
I’ve now been working as a Community Care Assistant for six months and I absolutely love my work. I go home at the end of a shift happy, knowing that I’ve helped someone and that is such a great feeling. My family have really noticed a difference in me, too and my confidence and knowledge continue to grow with every passing week. Initially I was a bit nervous about being responsible for personal care, but after I had completed my training and spent some time shadowing an experienced member of staff my worries completely disappeared.”
“My top priority is to ensure that the customers I visit feel supported and at ease – so many people have no next of kin at all and we play such a vital role in providing the support they need. It’s one of the things that makes this job so worthwhile.
Particularly this year, with all the challenges associated with the outbreak of Covid-19, I feel like the smallest gesture can have the biggest impact. I recently visited a gentleman who told me that he’d run out of his medication but couldn’t get to the pharmacy. After my shift, I went and picked up his prescription and dropped it off for him – a simple thing that made such a big difference to his day.”
“To anyone considering applying to ECL I’d say go for it! From my very first interview I was made to feel incredibly welcome and, although I’ve definitely moved out of my comfort zone, thanks to the comprehensive training and backing I’ve received I’ve never felt out of my depth. Joining the ECL team is the best thing I’ve ever done; I just wish I’d made the move years ago.”