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Nimfa began working at Woodlands care home in Crowborough in 2021 as a night care assistant and recently she has been promoted to a Night Team Leader. Nimfa shares her journey working in care and her experiences at Woodlands, putting residents at the heart of everything she does and leading the night team... 

• What inspired you to become a night care team leader?

“I really like to help people and working in a team. I like to encourage people to make decisions for themselves if they can, and support them.

I’ve have spent all my working life working in care. I was a nurse in Lithuania for 26 years, working in a hospital emergency unit. Across my working life, colleagues all learn from each other, we share information, experience, and expertise.

I became a Night Care Team Leader so I could challenge myself and gain more experience, share knowledge and lead a team. I am enjoying the new level of management, responsibilities and getting any support I may need from other seniors and managers."  

• How long have you been working nights, and what attracted you to night shifts in particular?

“I’m attracted to working nights because I enjoy night times, it’s an important time to make sure we’re there so residents can get a good nights sleep. My team are amazing with supporting everyone through the night.

I have a daughter who is 16 and working nights allows me to take her to school, I’m busy with my family and being there to support them in the mornings is important to me. I then sleep during the day when they’re out."

•   What does a typical night shift looks like from start to finish?

"First of all we have a handover at 8pm with the day staff and I catch up with the four night care assistants who are on shift with me. I then administer the evening medication which is a good opportunity to have a chat and check in on each residents.

Throughout the night we check each person every hour. Between these checks, we clean, help with the laundry, make residents hot drinks and give them company if they would like to see us. As the morning arrives I help residents with their morning routine, including personal care, getting up and dressed and enjoying a delicious breakfast – so they have a brilliant start to their day! At 8am I meet with the day staff to handover and update the team about our night."

• How do you help residents settle down for the night?

“My technique is to be calm and give comfort. Some residents like to hold my hand, it depends on the person. Sometimes residents look for me as I know them well, so I spend time with them, we have a chat and a hot drink, or I give them food if they would like some. I stay calm and relaxed."

• What makes working at Sussex Housing & Care special to you?

“I work for Sussex Housing & Care because they are supportive and encouraging and my colleagues are nice and help me. They listen well and we have great communication. If there are any emergencies I always have support. I believe in Sussex Housing & Care’s values and support them.”

If you, or someone you know is looking for a rewarding career in care, please click here to find our job vacancies in Battle, Crowbrough and Haywards Heath or contact us directly to speak to our friendly team.