Celebrating Nursing Support Workers Day 2021
Nursing Support Workers Day is on Thursday 23 November and this year, the theme is 'shine a light' to share stories and examples of how nursing support workers really make a difference in health and care services.
An annual day of celebration run by the Royal College of Nursing, Nursing Support Workers Day highlights the role that nursing support workers provide in all aspects of health and care, including in wards, clinics and community teams.
At Sussex Partnership we currently have 223 Health Care Support Workers and 539 Healthcare Assistants working across our specialist mental health and learning disability services.
Nursing support workers come under the profession of 'healthcare support worker', and a healthcare support worker works under the supervision of a healthcare professional, to support them in helping patients in their treatment and recovery.
Alejandra Torres, Healthcare Assistant at Sussex Partnership
"The best thing about being a healthcare assistant is being able to help and support people. The one word I would use to describe my job would be 'help'. If someone was thinking about becoming a healthcare assistant too, I would tell them to do it; give it a try. It could be challenging but rewarding too."
Kobi Penduka, Healthcare Assistant at Sussex Partnership
"I enjoy that I get to help our patients to feel same and comfortable, assisting them with their personal care needs and helping them to look and feel presentable for their day. The one word I would use to describe my job would be 'interesting'. If someone was thinking about becoming a healthcare assistant I would tell them it is a very interesting role which can be challenging sometimes but you always get support."
Diana Pop, Healthcare Assistant at Sussex Partnership
"The best part about my placement was working with the trainers, who were caring, open and excellent at explaining what they were doing - this really helped my learning and gave an honest insight into the work. After I completed my placement I was fortunate to apply for a bank position as a healthcare assistant. In my role I really enjoy dedicating my work to help improve someone elses life and I know this is exactly where I belong. The one word I would use to describe my job is 'meaningful'. If someone was thinking about becoming a healthcare assistant I would tell them that no two days are ever the same and the emotional reward is unbelievable."