Working as a healthcare assistant is very rewarding for those who love to socialise and care for others. We spoke to healthcare assistant Tzozef about his experiences.
Tell us about your background- How long have you been working as a healthcare assistant?
It’s been around five years. I was previously studying at university and working part-time in health care. I’ve always been interested in healthcare, as I love making people smile.
My uncle who used to live in the UK told me to get into nursing, as it’s very sociable and he thought I would have the patience to work with people. I couldn’t work in an office, as I prefer going to the hospital and seeing different types of people and working a variety of hours. I enjoy moving around seeing different faces.
What other countries have you worked in – how does the UK compare?
I’ve worked in Greece, but only when I was young and it was for the family business. I came to the UK to study and to visit my family. I also wanted to practise speaking English.
Can you give me a brief overview of your current role and what you face on a day-to-day basis?
My job consists of assisting nurses and doing observations in a hospital setting. You have to be really attentive and offer a lot of personal care.
Are you treated in a similar way to qualified nurses?
Absolutely, even though we’re not as qualified as a nurse, we’re treated the same way.
How much help and support have you received from Athona?
It is like working with a family. My recruitment consultants are very understanding and know what they’re doing.
What do you most love about your role?
I love the feeling at the end of the shift when I know I’ve made my patients smile and have given their life a meaning.
Do you have any advice for people looking to work as a Healthcare Assistant?
Your priority has to be the patient. If you have patience and want to help the lives of others, go for it. You deal with a range of emotions from your patients, so you need to have tough skin.
What are your thoughts on Brexit – how will the EU vote affect you?
If the UK does leave, it will have a great impact on the UK internally, because Scotland and Northern Ireland will probably also leave. I came to the UK to study thanks to the EU laws, if Brexit had happened sooner I wouldn’t have studied here at all.
The referendum does not mean we have to leave and I don’t believe we will actually leave the EU. The UK has high cultural diversity and that’s what brings the strong economy here.
Does working as a healthcare assistant appeal to you? Take a look at our current vacancies, or contact us to discuss how we can help:
T: 01277 217777
E: nursing@athona.com
