Colleagues

"Health care is all I know and is who I am. From a very young age, I was involved in a scheme for young carers due to my legal guardians being my grandparents. I learnt the value of support, care and kindness and the scheme helped me figure out who I saw myself as.... a supporter, a comforter, a carer.

In 2007 I began my career with Akari Care as a carer and worked my way up to Senior Carer in 2011. I have always been driven and ambitious so when I heard about the Nursing Associate Programme, I thought it would be a perfect next stage to my career.

I was excited but nervous to start the course, but it turns out I had nothing to worry about. The opportunity to progress and learn with full support from Akari Care and my colleagues was just incredible. With exceptional support, I was given the opportunity to work across all of Akari Care's units to gain experience, including one of their rehab units so I could broaden my knowledge of clinical skills.

Now I am a Qualified Nursing Associate and even more excited about my future with Akari Care"

"I have been with Akari Care for nearly five years as a Care Home Advanced Practitioner. I was the first person to become a Care Home Advanced Practitioner within the whole of the UK. Each day working for Akari Care is very different and can include medication routines, observations, GP liaison - the list can go on! I love the passion that my colleagues within Akari Care display and it's so lovely when we all interact with the residents.

Throughout my time being with Akari Care, I can honestly say it has been a wonderful experience and a privilege. My colleagues within the care home, the management team and the support staff are all incredibly supportive and have both guided and taken their time to help with any concerns I have had. I was also nominated by the team and families for Care Home Practitioner of the year.

Recently I wanted to try something different and took a role elsewhere. However, the grass is not always greener, and I have returned after 3 months away. Leaving Akari Care was the biggest mistake I ever made but thankfully they welcomed me back with open arms."