Laura Collins, 26, has achieved her dream of becoming a registered nurse and has returned to our home to care for the residents who inspired her ambition.

Laura initially worked at Barrowhill Hall as a care assistant to fund her studies in teaching but whilst working for us care captured her heart and she decided to retrain. Having just completed a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Nursing at Derby University she is now back with us at Barrowhill Hall!

“There’s something about Barrowhill Hall, that draws you back,” she explains. “It’s hard to say exactly what it is, but it’s like a second home to me. I always knew I would end up back here.”

Of her new role Laura says, “I love being a mental health nurse! I love having more responsibility, looking after people physically and mentally and being able to apply what I’ve learnt on my course to my work. We trained a lot in dementia care and my dissertation was about the benefits of non-medical interventions in supporting people living with dementia.”

“I love how Barrowhill Hall incorporates a lot of therapy activity such as pet therapy, singing and entertainment for the residents. You can see first-hand how it benefits them. Their mood lifts, they’ll remember song lyrics and therapies can relax and calm them too.

At age 19, she was set on a career in education and began working at our home to fund her teaching degree. Laura says, “It’s probably quite an unusual role to go into whilst studying at uni, but one of my friends was working there and told me there was a job going.

“I didn’t know what to expect or if I was going to like it, but I settled in quickly with all the support and training. I loved the feeling I got when I went home and I knew I’d given my all to look after someone.”

Over the next two years Laura had finished her education degree, taken a full-time role at our home and progressed to the role of senior carer. It was during this time she realised teaching was no longer for her. “Working as a senior carer made me realise what I was meant to do in life,” She explains, “I knew that instead of going back to do a final year of education training I wanted to train to become a nurse.”

Laura had already completed her pharmacy training and a Level 2 Safe Medication course on the job and was writing personalised care plans for residents in Churnet Lodge, our specialist household for people living with young onset dementia.

Clinical lead nurse, Sky Moyo, is amongst those pleased to welcome Laura back.

“Laura is an asset to our team and an inspiration to others, we’re delighted to have her with us again. We always encourage our team to progress and she’s an incredible example of how it’s possible to build a solid career within the care sector.

“The staff are the heartbeat of a care home and Laura has a lot to offer with her mental health training and her interest in holistic therapies for residents living with dementia. We know our residents will benefit from her return to us and we are all excited to see what she brings to her new role.”

When reflecting on the care sector Laura knows she can make a difference especially with end of life and palliative care.

“It’s emotionally challenging at times but it’s rewarding to know that you have made someone’s last days as nice and as comfortable as possible. Even though it can be a hard thing to do, it’s really rewarding to give someone a nice end to their life. That’s important.

“Day to day I always feel like I’m looking after multiple grans and grandads. I never want to rush around from room to room, I like to spend time with each resident and I love seeing them smile. I just enjoy helping people and I 100% recommend care as a career!”