South west careers in Health and Social Care by Adrian Ballisat

South West Careers in Health and Social Care

st odi

ist

C of

are (Dementia)

Adult Nurse

alth

Learning Disabilities nurse

oratory Assistant cal Lab Medi

Dentist

pist

Pathology

eon

i Rad

oth erapy

Su rg

tist

Paediatrics and Ch ild H e

ra The ts

o Orth

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Health Nurse

Social Worker

Hea d

Clerk

P h ar m

Chir o

tal Men

Care Worker

Did you know? Nationally... The NHS is one of the largest employers in the world, along with the Chinese Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Liberation Army, the Indian railways and the Wal-Mart supermarket chain In England and Wales the NHS employs around 1.3 m people - approximately 1 in 23 of the working population! On average men and women now live 10 years longer than they did in 1948 when the NHS was started Each month, 23m people (more than three times the population of London) visit their GP surgery or practice nurse Full-time GPs treat an average of 255 patients a week There are over 400 different jobs in the NHS The NHS Ambulance Service received 7.8m emergency calls in 2009/10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; about 2.5 calls a second! Nurses currently make up the largest part of the NHS workforce - around 30%

There are an estimated 1.75m paid jobs (83% female, 17% male) in adult social care in England. Of these, 92% were employed directly and the remainder filled by agency staff, including self-employed workers Nearly 2.5m adults use publicly funded social work and social care services every year About 750,000 people in the UK have dementia 2

In an average week across the country... • 170,000 people

(the same number that go to the Glastonbury music festival) go for an eyesight test

NHS chiropodists see more than

150,000 pairs of feet

• 800,000 people

are treated in hospital outpatient clinics

NHS ambulances make over

50,000 journeys

• Over 10,000 babies are delivered • 1,200 hip and 3,000 heart

NHS Direct receive over

• 300,000 people visit an NHS dentist • There are 456,537

Pharmacists dispense

operations are performed

places in adult care homes

25,000 calls

8.5 million items

Areas of the industry Health There are a wide range of jobs in the health sector – employers include:

CARE HOMES

HOSPITALS

INSURANCE COMPANIES

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

SCHOOLS

VOLUNTARY AGENCIES

UNIVERSITIES

CRUISE SHIPS

PRISONS

Social care CHARITIES

A growing sector covering all areas of society. Opportunities to work with children, young people, older people or families are available in a range of organisations including:

LOCAL AUTHORITIES

CARE HOMES

PRIVATE RESIDENCIES HOSPITALS

DISABILITY GROUPS HEALTH CENTRES

There are many areas of overlap between health and social care and these two services work very closely, particularly within the NHS.

Range of careers Youth Worker Advice Worker

Mental Health Surgeonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Counsellor

Anaesthetics Learning Disabilities Nurs Occupati Chiropodist Dentist Dementia Healthcare Assistant Adult

General Practitioner Medical Laboratory Assistant Speech

Radiotherapy Medical Secretary

Paediatr

Practitioner

Arts Therapist

Social Worker

Carer Orthodontist ional Therapy Pharmacist Technician

Nurse Pharmacist

Nurse

Physiotherapy

Pathology

r Opticians Psychologist Mental Health Nurse and Language Therapy

rics and Child Health 7

Range of careers Make a note of some careers in the health and social care sector that you would like to research further. They could be from the list on the previous page or other careers you have found out about.

Further research? Here are some links that may be useful… The government’s website on work and careers: www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/Workandcareers/ index.htm Information on work and life: https://nextstep.direct.gov.uk Health and social care jobs and careers in the South West: www.dayinthelife.org.uk Information on working in the NHS: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk Plymouth & Bristol Hospitals career information: www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk http://www.bristol.nhs.uk www.nbt.nhs.uk Helping discover what you could do and how to get there: www.icould.com

About health careers: http://healthcareers.about.com Apprenticeship information: www.apprenticeships.org.uk Information on graduate careers: www.prospects.ac.uk Course information: Plymouth 14-19 course directory www.findacourse4me.co.uk

Bristol 14-19 course directory www.futures4me.co.uk Plymouth University www.plymouth.ac.uk UCP Marjon www.marjon.ac.uk Careers SW (Connexions) www.careerssw.org Career information www.insidecareers.co.uk

Salaries in health and social care Here is an idea of what you could earn ...

Healthcare Science Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Healthcare Science Nurse Team Manager Assistant Specialist Physiotherapist Maternity Care Assistant Theatre Nurse Specialist Nursery Nurse Advanced Speech and Healthcare Science Clinical Support Language Therapist Worker Practitioner Arts Therapist (entry level) Psychotherapist Pharmacy Support Pharmacy Technician Specialist Podiatrist Advanced Worker Biomedical Physiotherapist Radiographer Scientist

15 Phlebotomist Ambulance Service Driver

30 Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s starting salary

Pha Advanced Radiographer M Dietitian Specialist Hospital Theatre Practitioner Anaesthesia practitioner Dietitian Healthcare Science Orthopist Physiotherapist Dentist Occupational Therapist Medical Engineering Hospital Theatre Practitioner Technician Dietitian Specialist Nurse Pharmacist Midwife (entry level) Specialist Radiographer Podiatrist Specialist Speech and Theatre Practitioner Language Therapist (entry level) Paramedic Health Visitor

Head of Psychology Services

GP Modern Matron

Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Public Health Consultant

60 50

armacist Manager

Head Orthopist

80 Healthcare Science Consultant

Principal Psychotherapist Health Improvement Principal

e Consultant

100

ÂŁ,000

Consultant Psychologist

Nurse Consultant

Collette Physiotherapy As a keen sports player I developed various injuries making me realise I wanted to help others recover from their injuries. This led to college where I chose courses based on my interests - sport, science and rehabilitation. Following a BTEC First Diploma in Sport I progressed to a two year National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science and then a HND in Sport and Exercise Science. With hard work I managed to achieve distinction grades! I then took a gap year and a much needed break from study! During the year I worked as a ward volunteer in a hospital and with some physiotherapists working with people with learning disabilities. This time was very valuable as all my interests clicked into place and helped reinforce a physiotherapy career path before applying to university.

There are many aspects of the degree I enjoy, especially the clinical placement, as you are working with the patient and starting to make a difference in their life. I also enjoy the different aspects of physiotherapy not directly associated with sport, such as neurological physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is a practical â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hands onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; career. If you have an interest in this area, a caring nature and like practical contact with patients you may enjoy a career in physiotherapy.

Case Studies Laura Nurse When I was little, I always said I wanted to make a difference! As I grew up I realised I could only do this with one person at a time. Nursing has given me the skills to really help an individual. It may be for a day, an hour or only minutes but having the opportunity to make a difference is important. For me there is no feeling like it. Good career prospects and great job satisfaction, along with possibilities for further training , make nursing a great career and definitely right for me. I started my career working in a nursing home. Here I gained really valuable experience whilst working for my A-levels. I was then accepted on to the Nursing Diploma (Adult). I love my training. I love having the freedom to go and work with specialist nurses. Most of all I love the feeling that I am developing professionally and I am ready for future career challenges.The great thing about nursing is that it allows people from all sorts of backgrounds to be really good at their job. A nurse should be able to communicate with all kinds of people and on a number of different levels. A strong stomach and a sense of humour never go amiss either! 13

Kim Hospital Healthcare Assistant

After completing school I went to university with the hope of becoming a teacher. I left after the second year as I realised I had made the wrong career choice. It was a big decision and I found myself looking for something completely different and ended up working in a nightclub. I was surprised when people suggested I ought to find a career working with people, like nursing or midwifery. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel ready for university again so decided to find work within social care, so I could experience the caring profession firsthand. I found work in a residential home for elderly care and worked night shifts. The work was rewarding and I soon realised I wanted to work in a hospital and found a job for a Health Care Assistant at the Rehabilitation Centre within the local hospital. I wanted to continue to develop my skills and was offered a place on an Apprenticeship Programme. Working in rehabilitation I realised that strokes happen to people of all ages and this helped me â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;learn about learning, to help all the patients I encounteredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. As part of my training programme I have had the opportunity to meet and interact with practitioners of other disciplines including Learning Disabilities, Dementia and Mental Health. I am now embarking on an Advanced Apprenticeship with the goal of applying to university to take a nursing degree.

Some more examples of jobs!

Dietitian

Ships’ Doctors Nursing in the and Nurses Army

There are numerous opportunities for dietitians to work with industry. Many work directly for a food manufacturer, food retailer, pharmaceutical company or with a public relations company representing an industry client. They are there to give unbiased advice on nutrition, produce nutritional literature, respond to customer concerns and set nutritional standards for companies. For example a dietitian may work in the foodservice sector, (this covers the food chain from grower or manfacturer through a distributor to caterers and the consumer). They have an important role in the development and setting of standards for products, influencing some of the best and most exotic meals served as well the food we eat every day.

Nursing officers, registered nurses, healthcare assistants and student nurses of the QARANC (Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps) deliver a high quality, adaptable and dedicated nursing service wherever needed. Army nurses and health care assistants can find themselves in ‘medical regiments’ and field hospitals dealing with casualties of every type. Postings can vary from a Ministry of Ships’ medical centres are sophisticated Defence Hospital Unit (in an NHS Trust), to and well-equipped. A typical centre comprises a Field Hospital in Afghanistan, to providing doctors’ consulting rooms, treatment rooms, medical support to soldiers in a jungle setting. in-patient beds, including critical care areas, Delivering high standards of care in diverse x-ray facilities, treatment room, laboratory and dispensary. Centres are fully equipped locations places great demands on army with diagnostic and emergency equipment nurses and health care assistants. A career and supplies. There are separate passenger will start with three months military training and crew waiting areas for the daily clinics. learning the skills needed as either an officer or soldier in the QARANC. See: www.oceanopportunities.com/ See: www.army.mod.uk/army-medicalmedical/ for more details. services/9869.aspx for more details.

See: www.bda.co.uk for more details.

Provision of the high quality medical care at sea is an essential element of life on a cruise ship. Medical teams provide general and emergency care for up to 5,000 people. A team is usually made up of two doctors and up to four nurses. The number of medical staff will vary depending on the size of the ship and the itinerary.

A patient journey

START

Paramedic

Triage Nurse

Healthcare Assistant

As the accident and emergency health professional the paramedic will assess the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condition and give essential treatment before transferring them to hospital where they will hand the patient over in the Accident and Emergency department.

Based in the accident and emergency department a triage nurse sees all new emergency patients and prioritises them according to their care needs and the severity of the problem.

Working under the guidance of a qualified health professional a health care assistant will help with patient care including monitoring the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condition and assisting with their overall comfort.

Registrar

Consultant

Diagnostic Anaesthetist Radiographer

This is a qualified doctor who has completed their foundation training and is undertaking further training in a specialist field.

A doctor or surgeon who has completed the relevant training to qualify as an expert in a specialist field.

Diagnostic radiographers work with imaging technologies to undertake investigations on patients.

Anaesthetists are involved in total patient care, not just putting patients to sleep. They need understanding of local anaesthetic techniques, intraoperative care and observation skills. As a specialist they may be actively involved in the surgery of a patient. 17

A patient journey

Surgeon

Operating Department Physiotherapist Practitioner

Surgeons specialise in operating on particular parts of the body to address specific injuries, diseases or degenerative conditions.

An important part of the operating team this person ensures every operation is as safe and effective as possible.

A Physio looks at all aspects of human movement as being central to the health and well-being of individuals. They will identify and encourage movement through health promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

Dietitian

Occupational Therapist

General Practitioner

Dietitians look at the science of nutrition, using their knowledge to diagnose, treat and prevent nutrition related health problems. They work with individuals, groups and the general public.

An OT assesses and treats both physical and psychiatric conditions. They help people to develop independent functions in their daily life through activities and the use of specialist equipment.

A GP will help recovery by seeing the patient after they have been discharged from hospital and addressing any ongoing problems. GPs are the first point of contact for most people and are often able to identify problems with their patients as they may see them fairly regularly and be familiar with their medical history.

FINISH

Quiz Answers 1 £21,000-£27,000 2 7,800,000 3 1,200 4 300,000 5 £46,000-£64,000 6 Diagnoses, treats and prevents nutrition related health problems 7 Over 10,000

Somef ur t heri nf or mat i onyoumayf i ndusef ul . . .

HEALTH CARE

Illustration of career progression and skill development

Sample Jobs District Nurse Consultant Midwife

LEVEL 5+

LEVEL 4

Practitioners

LEVEL 3

Senior Assistant / Supervisory

LEVEL 1/2 Entry Level Employment

SKILL DEVELOPMENT - depending on experience

Senior Practitioners

Registered Nurse Registered Paramedic Midwife National Nurse Dentist Senior Nursery Practitioner Senior Healthcare Assistant Ambulance Technician Maternity Support Worker Qualified Dental Nurse Dental Assistant Nursery Nurse Healthcare Assistant Home Care Assistant Ambulance Care Assistant Trainee Dental Nurse Nursery Assistant

Developed in partnership by Exeter & Heart of Devon Employment & Skills Board Â

Examples of Job Specific Skills

Checking and maintaining equipment, driving

Excellent manual dexterity, precision, attention to detail Organised, supervisory experience Physically fit, calm in a crisis Teaching basic techniques to educate parents Knowledge of oral heath, attention to detail Good hand eye coordination Experience working with children, play techniques Energetic, attention to detail Working independently under minimum supervision Good driving skills, routine maintenance of equipment Willingness to study, good hand eye coordination Energetic, playful and watchful

A guide to the types of jobs you could progress to if you invest in the relevent skills and training

Skills and Attributes (Illustrative)

Managerial skills Leadership Strategic planning (eg. resource allocation)

Strong problem solver (e.g. using experience to make quick decisions) Effective time management (e.g. prioritising workload) Good mathematics (e.g. calculating & explaining data) Strong verbal communicator (e.g. give and follow multi-step instruction) Strong written communicator (e.g. clinical records) Academic ability to gain medical knowledge Empathetic and able to build rapport Responsive (e.g. listening and understanding needs) Positive attitude and calm under pressure Team Worker (e.g. thinks of others, considerate) Problem solver (e.g. handling and resolving issues) Responsible (e.g. safety and confidentiality procedures) Basic mathematics (e.g. extracting info from charts) Good verbal communicator (e.g. clear and polite) Practical and hands on