have chosen to be here, and this is what they are interested in. They don’ t shy away from the hard parts of the job, and the patients and their families really respond well to that.
We never push them to do more than they are comfortable with, however – the work placements students always go at their own speed.
What exactly do the students do?
It’ s amazing, really. They just soak up all the information they’ re given like a sponge. They do ward rounds with the doctors, they learn about all the different types of medication, they carry out patient assessments and reviews, they even prepare a body for the funeral home. We’ ve had universities contact us, surprised that the students who have a Care Certificate from us have done all of this, and we’ re proud to be able to confirm that it’ s all correct, they have been working hard from day one.
Every six weeks we have a meeting and go through the evidence folders that the students create as they work with us. It’ s to make sure that everyone is happy and learning, and to reiterate certain points. On our last meeting I always talk about compassion – I don’ t want them to ever lose compassion, no matter what field they end up going into.
Who is this for?
When we started the work placement was mainly for those nearing the end of school who were interested in going into a care profession, and that’ s still true. It certainly gives them a head start over many others. But we also now have an adult version for those who perhaps have always wanted to do nursing or similar but never had the chance. Lots of retired people choose to join us for this as well. It’ s the way forward; we need as many heads and hearts as possible.
How do people get enrolled?
First they need to email education @ ellenor. org and we will send them an application form. We them liaise with the school and hold interviews. We aren’ t looking for the ones with the best exam results necessarily – we want those who want to do good; we’ re very inclusive. www. ellenor. org 161