Recent Linson Court Employee of the Month winner, Emira, is proof that with hard work and determination you can achieve your goals.
Emira had been working at Tesco, sorting online orders for customers, when one day she decided it was time for a change.
“I just felt I could be doing something more worthwhile with my life,” said Emira.
“I have always respected the work of nurses in the UK and looked up to them so thought, why not?”
The first step in Emira’s journey was gaining qualifications in Health and Social Care after which she worked in a Home Care support team, visiting clients and providing the support necessary to help them continue living in their own homes.
Emira then attended an access course to gain the GCSE qualifications necessary to take up a place at University to study for a Nursing Degree – a prospect she admits she found daunting.
“I am from Hungary and once you have had children and are over 25, education is not something that is usually considered,” she said.
“I felt nervous when applying to University but then I discovered, I was actually one of the youngest on the course. I thought if others can do it, why not me?”
After six years of study Emira completed her journey from supermarket packer to qualified nurse, all whilst raising three children now aged 2-13. She took up a role in a busy hospital before applying for her current role as nurse at Linson Court.
“I felt in hospital the patients were like numbers, because of waiting lists. It was all about getting them treated and out as soon as possible,” said Emira.
“At Linson Court it is much more personal, you get to know the residents and their families through daily contact and have a better understanding of their individual circumstances and needs.”
As a nurse at Linson Court, Emira has wide-ranging responsibilities include overseeing resident documentation and medication, liaising with GPs and helping to draw up and then update resident care plans.
She said: “To be a nurse in a care home you need good communication skills and an understanding that people may be confused or in pain and that can lead to them behaving in a difficult way, you need empathy and compassion.”
Outside of work Emira, likes nothing better than a family holiday, usually somewhere hot. She visited Dubai last December and will be going to Egypt this year and will be bringing back a little something for the residents.
“The residents love to hear where I have been and I usually bring them back a little treat like chocolate,” she said.
“It can open up a conversation, I get the photos out and that sparks a chat about the countries the residents have visited, that daily social contact is very important.”
Looking for a care home where staff treat residents like family? Take a look at Linson Court Care Home in Batley.
