Story by Sue R

Hello my name is Sue, I have worked for Hilton for four years.

My dream job throughout school was to be a nursery nurse. After finishing college, I decided it wasn’t for me so decided to apply for a nursing home job.  I stayed in elderly/dementia care settings for most of my early adult life in between having my two children.

As my children got older, I decided to have a change so applied for XX hospital. I soon fell in love with my new job, it was rewarding and every day was different. After a few years here and a change in personal circumstances I needed to leave. I was on the hunt for a new job!  It’s not easy looking for work as we get older so I was unsure what path to take.

A job at Hilton Care for a Support Worker was advertised, supporting Tenants with individual needs in their own homes. I was a little apprehensive applying as I had no experience in this line of work. I applied and got offered an interview.  That was another hurdle I had to face as I was very nervous not knowing what to expect.  After a few days I got offered the job.

In January 2020 I started my new job as a support worker, i loved my job from day one.  I knew I had lots to learn but I was up for the challenge.  Every day was different supporting Tenants with individual needs in their own homes. I was just finding my feet, getting to know the Tenants and their individual needs, likes and dislikes then lockdown hit!

This was a hard time for us, we struggled with the new rules and bubbles but the Tenants struggled more.  Their social situations changed and they were no longer allowed to socialise. They could no longer go shopping for themselves or go to clubs. I quickly learned a different role to what I’d imagined and to what the Tenants were used to.

Early 2021 – Christmas was over. It was a strange Christmas for them, being in bubbles and unable to see family as they were used to. The Tenants adapted well. One day I was approached by my manager saying I was being put forward to take on a new role for Hilton Care. A new service was due to open in XX and I was offered a Team Leader position.

After thinking about it I said yes. At this point I had no clue about this new role after only being with the company for one year. I was nervous but was excited to learn something new. I knew I had lots to learn but it was my time to.  My manager, a Senior Support Worker and I had six weeks of transition time with the new Tenants in the new service. In April 2021, X opened.

However, the moral of the story is that however daunting something seems in the beginning, follow your heart. I have learnt so much since starting the role and I still have lots more to learn but I am enjoying it.
I am so grateful for Hilton Care for giving me the opportunity and to my manager for all the help, support and encouragement.