CAREER PATHS IN CARE
On the rise – Rachelle has worked with the elderly and children through her role with Moonrise.
PEOPLE THINK CHILDREN CAN’ T BE DEPRESSED, BUT THAT’ S NOT TRUE. THEY CAN FEEL LONELY OR LOST AND I WANT TO HELP THEM KNOW THEY’ RE NOT ALONE.
“ Some of the older residents used to ask where I was when I wasn’ t on shift and that made me feel so proud.
“ I’ d sit with them, play games, listen to their stories. I could see how much it meant to them.
“ With the children, it was about helping them communicate and making sure they felt comfortable. Every day was different; every day mattered.
CAREER PATHS IN CARE
A health and social care qualification can lead to:
Nursing( adult, child or mental health)
Psychology Midwifery Social work Criminology
“ The placement helped me put what I was learning at college into real life. It wasn’ t just theory anymore, it was real people.”
Finding her voice
Moonrise noticed how passionate Rachelle was and gave her the chance to stay on and work in between her college studies.
“ They believed in me, even when I didn’ t always believe in myself,” she admits.
“ When I first started, I was shy and quiet, but they encouraged me, trusted me and helped me build confidence.
“ Now, I’ m not scared to speak up. I share my ideas, I’ ve found my voice- and I know that’ s because of Moonrise.
“ I work weekends which means I will be able to focus on uni, which gives me a good life balance.”
Looking ahead
Rachelle can’ t wait to qualify and start working full-time as a mental health nurse for children.
THINKING ABOUT A CAREER IN CARE?
Study health and social care at college
Get work experience or do a placement in care or health settings
Listen, communicate and empathise
Ask carers or nurses about their journeys
“ I want to be the person a child can trust, someone who listens without judging.”
Her advice for anyone considering care?
“ Do it because you are passionate about it. It is hard work, but it’ s worth every second.
“ When someone smiles because of you, that’ s the best feeling ever.”
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