Clinical Support Assistant – Jess’s story

Longer-term career plans

Before joining the Hospice as a Clinical Support Assistant, I completed 2/3 years of a midwifery degree. It was my decision to leave at the start of my 3^rd year for personal reasons – now looking back I realise how burnt out I was. As much as I loved the job I knew my personality would be better suited to a different role.

It was during the pandemic, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I took a series of jobs such as working in a factory. After my mental health began to recover, I started to make longer-term career plans. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to work caring for people, so I knew it was time to go back to that.

Bereavement support with Dorothy House

A few years before University, both my Gramps and my Mum’s best friend died under Dorothy House Hospice Care within 6 months of each other. It was a really difficult time, but the Hospice was so amazing and I really appreciated the ‘death is a part of life’ ethos. Dorothy House really helped my family deal with our loss, which is why I applied for the role initially.

Becoming a Clinical Support Assistant

I was delighted to get the Clinical Support Assistant role, especially working across both Day Patient Services (DPS) and the Inpatient Unit (IPU) as I knew I would gain broad experience. I completed the “Tulip Standard, Essentials of Care” course which gave me confidence that I was working at the Dorothy House standard. Since then I have had the opportunity to work under Physios, Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Nurses.

Training and development

I have done courses covering things like communications, and specific illnesses such as Motor Neurone Disease. The training and opportunities to develop have been amazing. The support and training on how to cope with the difficult times at work and resilience have been especially valuable to me after my experience at University. It is helping with my confidence, as I feel supported that I am doing the right thing.

 

I love the time I have to really listen to my patients on the IPU, and learn what matters to them. We have such great facilities and infrastructure here that I know I can offer patients what they really need – that knowledge is so rewarding. The groups we run in DPS are also amazing. Watching patients help each other, sharing their worries and experiences is such a privilege.

Career progression

I have recently completed all my competencies within my Clinical Support Assistant role and I have progressed to a Band 4. I am so grateful to my colleagues for pushing me to challenge myself, but within a structured and supported environment. I am keen to continue learning in this new role and my ultimate aim is to become an OT. It’s such a varied role, and I am really interested in the mental health aspects and how psychology can affect a patient’s physical symptoms. I would need a degree to become an OT, but there are apprenticeship options that I am going to explore as I would love to continue working here.