have chosen to be here , and this is what they are interested in . They don ’ t shy away from the hard parts of the job , and the patients and their families really respond well to that .
We never push them to do more than they are comfortable with , however – the work placements students always go at their own speed .
What exactly do the students do ?
It ’ s amazing , really . They just soak up all the information they ’ re given like a sponge . They do ward rounds with the doctors , they learn about all the different types of medication , they carry out patient assessments and reviews , they even prepare a body for the funeral home . We ’ ve had universities contact us , surprised that the students who have a Care Certificate from us have done all of this , and we ’ re proud to be able to confirm that it ’ s all correct , they have been working hard from day one .
Every six weeks we have a meeting and go through the evidence folders that the students create as they work with us . It ’ s to make sure that everyone is happy and learning , and to reiterate certain points . On our last meeting I always talk about compassion – I don ’ t want them to ever lose compassion , no matter what field they end up going into .
Who is this for ?
When we started the work placement was mainly for those nearing the end of school who were interested in going into a care profession , and that ’ s still true . It certainly gives them a head start over many others . But we also now have an adult version for those who perhaps have always wanted to do nursing or similar but never had the chance . Lots of retired people choose to join us for this as well . It ’ s the way forward ; we need as many heads and hearts as possible .
How do people get enrolled ?
First they need to email education @ ellenor . org and we will send them an application form . We them liaise with the school and hold interviews . We aren ’ t looking for the ones with the best exam results necessarily – we want those who want to do good ; we ’ re very inclusive . www . ellenor . org 161