In my job as a HCSW, I start my day by making sure my room is clean and I have all the equipment I need ready to see lots of patients. Every day is different. I see many kinds of people - young, old, from different countries, people with learning needs, and people who are very unwell. My job can feel very rewarding. Sometimes I might be the only person a patient sees that day and that can make a real difference to them. A simple blood test can sometimes show that the patient needs to see a nurse or doctor for more checks. My days are always busy and exciting, and there is never a dull moment.
I enjoy being part of a team that looks after patients and gives them great care. I see people of all ages, from young to old, and I enjoy helping them. I explain why we do certain checks and why these checks are important. As part of the yearly check-ups patients come in for, I take blood tests, check blood pressure, do traces of the heart (ECGs) and feel their pulse. Our tests help make sure problems are found early and if we find something, the GP can give more help. For example, sometimes I can feel that a patient’s pulse is not normal, so I do an ECG. This can show if the patient has a heart problem. They might need medicine or to see a heart specialist. The patient gets the care they need and they might not have had if we hadn’t checked them. I love that every day is different and goes by quickly. I enjoy the fast pace and always try my best.
I always wanted to be a nurse, but I didn’t get the right grades in school, so I thought I would never be able to do it. When I left school, I studied hairdressing and did that until I had my three children. After that, I worked in a supermarket at Christmas time, but I still dreamed of working in a GP surgery or a hospital. I still didn’t have any qualifications, but I knew I needed to try something new. I decided to apply for a job as a GP receptionist because it was in a clinical setting. I got the job, and I loved it. After four years, I asked my manager if I could do a course to teach me how to take blood. There was a one day course available, so I went. I was very nervous, but I really enjoyed it. My first clinic was scary, but it felt amazing and rewarding. I became more confident, so I decided to train to become a HCSW. The surgery gave me all the training I needed, and the nursing team fully supported me. I found learning in the GP surgery much better for me because I’m not very confident and sometimes need a bit of a push. The nursing team is wonderful, they let me learn at my own pace and watch clinics to help build my confidence. Now I can do blood pressure checks, ECGs, pulse checks, and diabetic reviews. The whole nursing team is fantastic and always ready to help me learn more. Sometimes I wish I had started this journey earlier because I could have become a nurse through working as a receptionist. But now, I’m happy being a HCSW, even if I started later than others.
My advice is to go for it. I have learned so much by training at my own speed. The job is exciting and makes me feel proud. It has even helped me get through hard times in my own life. My job means being kind, understanding, and caring for other people’s needs. There is never a day when I don’t want to come to work. I love my job as a HCSW, and I would encourage anyone to choose this career.