It's hard to discover a job where you feel you’ve made a difference to another person’s life.
However, this is what manager Rema Sankaran from St Michaels Care Home in Westgate-on-Sea says she feels every day.
“When I see a resident’s smile or relief in a relative’s eyes when they know they no longer need to worry about a loved one, the overwhelming compassion and joy that follows are simply irreplaceable,” Rema explains.
“I don’t think there are many other jobs where you can get the see the effect your help has had, where you can play such a big part in improving people’s quality of life. It’s for this reason that I think a career in care is one of the best jobs you can have.”
Below, Rema tells us more about her daily duties and how she discovered success as a carer.
Q: How did you get started in care?
A: My career started in India where I worked in the acute sector, before moving to Saudi Arabia. I then moved to the UK and began working as a healthcare assistant at St Michaels, where I have now been for over 17 years.
I instantly enjoyed the change of role. I could provide healthcare to the residents, however, unlike in a hospital where patients are discharged quickly following treatment, here I could get to know them, provide long-term healthcare and make even better treatment decisions as a result.
Q: How did you progress from a nursing assistant to a care home manager?
A: There are a lot of opportunities for advancement in care if you are surrounded by a loving and nurturing team – which is exactly what we have here at St Michaels.
It’s the perfect environment to learn and grow. I started working night shifts and earned a promotion to senior nurse, where my confidence grew thanks to the encouragement from my team. In time I came to take over as the clinical lead before my colleagues recommended me to step up, and I became the manager.
It was with their support that I gained enough belief in myself to undertake the role and I haven’t looked back since. I love everything about my job – St Michaels feels like a second home and family to me. I’m committed to making sure everyone in our care and every member of staff here feels like they belong.
Q: What skills and qualities do you need to be a good caregiver?
A: You don’t need any previous qualifications or experience to become a carer at St Michaels. We will provide all the training and support you need - it’s about having the willingness to learn and the passion to help others.
Families entrust us with the care of their loved ones – their mums, dads, sisters and brothers. It’s a great responsibility and we’re dedicated to ensuring they receive only the highest quality service. This takes individuals that are committed, compassionate and, above all, kind.
Q: What does a typical day working at St Michaels Care Home involve?
A: No two days are the same, which is in part what can make the work so exciting. We provide nursing, residential, respite, and end-of-life care to those in need. This entails a variety of duties, from chatting with residents, supporting relatives, and handling medications to offering personal care and running group activities.
We offer hands-on support and whatever help is required to ensure our residents are happy and can maintain a sense of independence and freedom. No matter what situations may arise, we always face them as a team, and it’s reassuring to know that you’ll never be asked to deal with them alone.
Another benefit of care work is the flexibility it offers. For busy parents or those with other commitments, it’s easy to work shifts that fit your routine. You can inform us of your availability, and we can devise a schedule that suits you.
Q: Why would you recommend considering a career in care and how can people apply?
A: I think more than ever before, people care about having a job that feels rewarding, where they can feel good about the work they do and that provides an opportunity for them to give back. Care work is a unique type of job where you can find satisfaction and fulfilment and see first-hand the difference you can make to another person's life.
You can view vacancies at St Michaels via our website and submit your CV online or in person. We’ll then arrange an interview so we can get to know you better. We’re always eager to hear from individuals interested in providing exceptional care and compassion to those in our community that need it.
To apply for a role at St Michaels Care Home, visit stmichaelscare.org/careers.
Call 01843 653 198 or email admin@stmichaelscare.org.
