A manager from a Glasgow care home has helped educate others on developing a successful career in the care industry, by giving a guest lecture at a top Scottish university.
Using her own career as evidence, Heather Martin, a deputy manager at Bupa’s Deanfield Care Home, delivered an interactive and informative seminar to a group of second year nursing students at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Heather’s lecture was aimed at improving education, and raising awareness of the array of clinical procedures undertaken by care nursing staff. It also looked to highlight the levels of expertise required in the profession.
Specifically, she focused on enteral feeding – the process whereby nutrition is delivered via a tube - demonstrating the best and safest way to carry out the various methods of this, and then encouraging the students to practice for themselves.
Heather also spoke about how working for care homes can lead to a very rewarding career, telling of her own personal experience to encourage others to follow in her footsteps.
She says: “My lecture was very practical so all the students were able to get quite hands on.
“It highlighted the huge variety of clinical work involved in working in care homes and the huge support network available to care home nurses.
“Enhancing education of student nurses and helping address some of the misconceptions regarding nursing in a care home is a passion of mine as aged care nursing is complex and requires a range of clinical and emotional skills.”
Having spent time caring for her brother who had learning disabilities and a disabled neighbour, Heather realised she had a passion for caring for others, and has now worked with Bupa for 10 years.
She adds: “My interest in care was sparked years and years ago after helping my brother and neighbour. I found helping them both very rewarding and realised it was something I would like to do as a career.
“I’m very lucky as I find my job extremely satisfying and am able to give back to those around me on a daily basis.
“After the seminar, the students all spoke to me at the end and said they found it extremely beneficial for their future careers, which was fantastic to hear. It was great to be able to share some of my career experience with them.”
Isla McGlade, clinical academic at Glasgow Caledonian University, who organised the visit, says: “It was fascinating for our pre-registration nursing students to hear from Heather, who has a wealth of experience in delivering healthcare.
“I am sure our students benefitted from her insight. It’s always great for students to learn from healthcare professionals as they plan to take the next steps in their career.”
Deanfield Care Home in Glasgow is a modern, two-storey home that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of residents. A range of care options are available, specialising in nursing and nursing dementia care.
The care home encourages all residents to be as independent as they can so they can lead as full and active a life as possible. Whether residents are there for a short stay or a longer period, Deanfield aims to make each person feel at home. Staff are experienced and highly trained and spend the time talking to each resident when they arrive to make sure that their care plan is tailored specifically to their needs and wants.
