MANAGING A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN CARE

A senior manager for a care service provider has revealed how starting out as a nurse in the care industry can lead to a successful career path – using her own career as evidence.

Aileen Waton, Bupa Area Manager for two years, is responsible for leading a team of care home managers across nine care homes and ensuring each one delivers the highest possible standard of customer care for residents and their relatives.

Aileen, who started at Bupa’s Fullarton care home in Irvine as a Staff Nurse, quickly progressed through the ranks to become an Area Manager in less than ten years and is now encouraging others to pursue a similar career path.

After completing a Nursing degree at the University of the West of Scotland, Aileen joined Fullarton in 2006, and her commitment to ensuring residents had the best quality of life was quickly recognised.

This continuous dedication to the residents and determination to go above and beyond to provide the highest level of care possible soon led to her being offered the job of Unit Manager. From there, Aileen climbed the career ladder, working in a variety of roles across a number of Bupa care homes, including as Clinical Services Manager and Home Manager, before being promoted to her current position in 2013.

Aileen says she thinks working for care homes in the private sector can often lead to a more rewarding career than the far more travelled path of entering the NHS straight from University.

Aileen said: “I began my career at the age of 21, when I had just left University and the support I was given in terms of development was fantastic. Progressing through Bupa to the position of Area Manager has been very gratifying and I think that starting out as a Staff Nurse has given me a valuable insight into how important that role is.

““I really enjoyed my time as a staff nurse and being able to care for and build relationships with the residents was an incredibly rewarding first job. The rapport and connection between them and our staff is definitely one of the perks of the job and there is a real sense of community within Bupa.

“The training that is on offer is also phenomenal and Bupa’s focus on developing management and leadership skills is second to none. I even received funding to undertake a year-long training course at Stirling University.”

Aileen would now like to see other nurses enjoying the career progression Bupa has given her and is encouraging them to follow a similar course.

She added: “I can honestly say that one of the main reasons I am where I am today is because of the incredible progression opportunities and constant encouragement that Bupa offers.

“Bupa are always looking for new talent to join our business, and I would definitely recommend it as I truly believe that the company is highly invested in its employees and the opportunities on offer are unrivalled across the care and nursing sector.

“I never thought that in just ten short years, I would go from being a Staff Nurse to managing nine care homes, all of which are currently functioning at a very high level, but it just goes to show that with the right help and support, this type of career success is entirely possible.”

Would you like to find out more about working for Bupa and the incredible opportunities available across our homes? If you’re as passionate about caring for others and providing exceptional standards of care, as indeed Aileen is, then we would love to hear from you.

For more information on a career with Bupa care services, the Recruitment Team can be contacted on free phone 0800 783 5891.