Michelle's career path hasn't been a traditional one. Find out how she got to where she is today, proving that there are no limits to a career in health and social care.
Setting: Domiciliary care provider with 265 offices across the UK.
Throughout my career, I've found immense joy in developing deep and meaningful relationships with those I鈥檝e supported.
Michelle
Clinical Governance Lead
Overview of current role
My role is all about embedding strong clinical pathways that allow people to receive high-quality care in their own homes, delivered safely by care professionals who they trust. I'm particularly passionate about delegated healthcare tasks, ensuring that care teams are properly trained and governed to perform tasks once reserved for nursing, while keeping both those being supported and staff safe.
How did I get here
My career path has been far from traditional. I started working as a cleaner in a nursing home and became a carer at 18, falling in love with the role and developing a passion for dementia care. Encouraged by nurses, I pursued nursing and secured a place at Liverpool John Moores University. Being an older student with care experience set me apart.
After qualifying, I worked on a respiratory ward. The challenges only deepened my determination, and I pursued a degree in Gerontological Nursing while working full-time. Later, I transitioned to community nursing, where I learned to appreciate the privilege of providing care in people's homes. I also earned my Specialist Qualification in District Nursing and became a non-independent prescriber.
After some health issues, I left the NHS and joined a complex care provider, where I spent seven years training care staff to support clients with ventilators, tracheostomies, and other complex needs. In 2019, I was made redundant but found a perfect fit at 不良研究所 Instead. Here, I apply everything I’ve learned to impact social care nationally. I also began a PhD in Aging, focusing on workforce challenges in social care, and was honoured to be named a Queen’s Nurse.
I hope my story shows that there are no limits to a career in health and social care, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Qualifications
I am qualified as a registered nurse and I have a masters, but I think experience is the key. I had a lot of experience in competency assessment and carer led packages, along with general quality experience.
Knowledge and skills
I’ve completed extensive training, including a degree in Gerontological Nursing, Specialist District Nursing. I have a wealth of experience in governance, clinical pathways, and care for older adults, including ventilators, tracheostomies, and complex wound care.
What brings me joy
Throughout my career, I've found immense joy in developing deep and meaningful relationships with those I’ve supported, especially in dementia care, where I could listen to residents' stories and form close bonds.