Nurse:

A day in the life

Jannatul is a nurse in a Bupa nursing and residential home. She cares for residents who have dementia and Alzheimer’s, looking after their psychological and nursing needs.

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Previous role

“Before this I was a health care assistant in a number of nursing homes, then did my NVQs, and then three years’ training.

Being my first nursing job, this was a bit frightening at first - could I be a team leader, dealing with medications? Working for Bupa has helped me so much though, now I feel I can work anywhere without that fear or lack of confidence. It is a great place to work. And being a mum the flexible shifts help a lot!”

In the morning
“I work shifts, either eight o’clock to two or two o’clock to eight.

First thing is handover and the drugs round. I'm responsible for medications, liaising with GPs and working with Lloyds Pharmacy who make up and deliver prescriptions.

I’ll call the GP centre first thing if we need a doctor to visit any residents. I’ll then look in the communication book and diary to see if there’s anything that needs to be done. Then there are care plans and notes to write.”

Through the day
“Generally I’m caring and helping. I help with activities if I’m free.

Most of the time it is fairly easy going, everyone knows what they’re doing and the team is fantastic. The carers are brilliant - a real asset to the team.

And the residents are great, you get attached to them. I really enjoy taking care of them.

As a nurse I’m often in charge of the shift, but there are always other nurses around and a manager to contact for advice. It’s very different to working in a hospital where you’re surrounded by teams of people - you are responsible for patients here, but with support. Everyone cares for the residents.”

What it takes to be a care home nurse
“Other than a nursing qualification you need experience working with people. And confidence - dementia residents can be more challenging. But I’ve learned to build up my confidence and see that it’s not them being challenging, it’s the illness.”