NCIC held a mass recruitment and successfully appointed 59 health care assistants (HCA) to its bank register.
The day is a unique experience, unlike the usual interview process, the atmosphere as fun, relaxing and informative.
Candidate’s backgrounds ranged from lots of previous care experience to none at all, moving to the NHS from different industries completely, such as beauty, and cleaning.
Kerrie Blythe told us why she wanted to join the NHS.
She said:
“I have care experience, but in my current role, I don’t have much face-to-face contact with patients which is what I really enjoy.
“Although I’ve always known a career in patient care was for me, this was emphasised recently in my personal life. My grandma, unfortunately, had a fall and broke her hip. I was first on the scene before the ambulance arrived and helped to keep her calm and dignified. My family all said that they would have crumbled without me.
“I’ve always wanted to go into nursing, I began a few years ago, but personal circumstances meant it wasn’t quite the right time so I’m glad I can take the first step toward that goal again now.
“The day was nothing like I’ve experienced before. I was really nervous, but everybody makes you feel so at ease.”
Alix-Leah Gordon was recently appointed as a domestic at WCH and has now been appointed as a bank health care assistant.
Alex told us:
“I have just finished my beauty therapy qualifications, but as I grow and hear more from my family who work in the NHS, I am realising that working in care is what I want to do.
“I am open-minded about my future career in the NHS and look forward to experiencing different areas and services while I am on the bank.
“This is a really good starting point and the help from Jane Martin (NCIC) has really boosted my confidence. I have never been to an interview like this and I felt really relaxed.”
Linnet Mwalala is an aspiring doctor from Zimbabwe and becoming a health care assistant is the first step of her long-term plan to achieving that goal. She said:
“I have always wanted to be in health care. My long-term plan beginning today is to become a medical doctor, and I will be one.
“It makes me happy to be able to provide care and fulfil needs for people when they are no longer able to do so themselves.”
The 59 successful candidates are now able to book health care assistant shifts through what is known as the bank. Bank shifts are offered after they cannot be filled through substantive staff. You can pick up shifts that work around you and your life while also not being required to fulfil shifts. If you are interested in joining the bank as a health care assistant, we will be holding another event in September. Keep your eyes peeled to apply.
The days saw all candidates spilt into 10 groups who each moved through a series of activities during the day, such as hand hygiene and filling out recruitment documents. Making their whole recruitment and induction process easier and quicker.
Before individuals were interviewed, they took part in a group session facilitated by Deputy Chief Nurse Georgia Wright and Assistant Director People Services Amanda Dunkley.
Georgia Wright warmly welcomed all candidates and said:
“Bank colleagues are really important to us and a really good way for you to progress your career in the NHS.
“It’s a great way to work across different areas and find where suits you and your interests and also where is not quite right for you. Working in the NHS is really rewarding, but there will be some tough days too. There are also opportunities for development such as apprenticeships.”
Groups engaged with questions such as: ‘What does good care look like?’ and ‘How should we look after our uniforms?’
Those who were not successful were referred to join our ‘Step into Work’ programme, where they will gain experience and further insight into what the role entails before interviewing again for a position on the bank