Kirsty has been with Cavell Healthcare for two years, starting as a Carer, before progressing to Field Care Supervisor and she has recently been appointed Field Care Manager based out of our Lowestoft Office. We caught up with Kirsty to learn more about how her career has gone from strength to strength…
What were you doing before you joined Cavell Healthcare?
I was previously in mental health, working with patients with drug and alcohol abuse issues. However, I wanted a change and moved to Cavell 2 years ago, initially as a carer.
You have since been promoted to Field Care Supervisor and now Field Care Manager. How different is your job today than when you first started?
I still do care calls, as I would never give that up, but my role now involves running the team who are based out of our Lowestoft office. So, I am responsible for organising the rota, ensuring that everyone has been properly trained with our in-house trainer, Beverly, and carrying out spot checks and supervision.
What area do you cover?
The Lowestoft Office was established to better serve the Waveney Valley and our clients in that area, so we cover everything from the Waveney Valley, Beccles, Bungay and Gorleston, down to Aldeborough and then back up to Harleston and Loddon.
What do you love about the job?
Absolutely everything! For me, it doesn’t even feel like work. Of course, it’s long days and a lot pf responsibility, but knowing that you have made a positive difference to someone’s life is just such an incredible feeling. Sometimes, as carers, we are the only people our clients will see all day, so I think it is such an important job and I am proud to do it.
What is the hardest thing about your job?
Well, I do a lot of travelling between seeing clients and staff across the county and some weeks I can do several hundred miles – but luckily, I really enjoy driving, so even that’s not a negative. I think that hardest thing is when a client passes away or watching someone struggle with illness, but that’s when the Cavell family is so important. We are a real team, we work together and we are there to support each other, especially when things get tough.
What do you do to relax?
Believe it or not, driving!! Despite all the miles I do for work, I love nothing more than bundling the children into the car and heading off for a road trip. We’ve been all over the UK exploring the country’s towns and cities!
Finally, what would you say to someone considering a role in care?
As a certain famous brand of trainers would say – Just Do It!!! You won’t look back and you’ll never regret it!
