Trainee HCA

hello there,

congratulations firstly on relaising that there is life outside of family, that there has come a point where you want to do something for yourself.

Your message already shows that you have a lot of qualities that are ideal to care and nursing. you show experience as a parent, life skills, the fact that you recognise that there are times when you need to ask questions (even trained nurses ask lots questions) is good.

I worked in care work before I went into nursing. When I first started it felt difficult to even apply as you can loose confidence if not worked fora while, but nerves are good, they cn be apostiive thing, if yu are worried about naythign with the interview use apost card an write important thing sdown e.g 'ask about shifts', 'ash about holidays', 'my strengthes are..' etc. they will give you prompts.

Try telling yourself: "I am now able to go out to work and do something that I will enjoy and for myself, how cool is that"... you probably think its daft me talking like that, but it works, if you tell yourself you can do something in a psychological way it helps you actually do it.

Some collages or sports centres may offer one day self confidence buiding skills. These help self esteem.

Really though your confidence will grow if you start to try to believe in yourself. It takes time. We feel we loose skills, lose self esteem, but you can do all that you wish to achieve.

My nurse training started at 35, and others in the group varied in age from 18 to 50, so you will find a mixed age range.

Focus on your first step, get to the interview, start care work, ask at the interview if you get opportunity to do NVQ's as that will gradually build up your education again. Stay positive.

Its a big step, a big wide world out there...go for it, live your dreams.

let me know how you get on.

Best of luck.

karen x

you are very welcome lass, good luck (just home after night shift). karen x

Originally posted by alittlelost Hi All Ive got an interview next week for trainee HCA. Im very nervous about this as I have had a tough time over the last 4 years, but needed a preverble 'kick up the a***', so applied for the post advertised as I would dearly love to become a nurse. The problem is my confidence is so low at the moment I dont know now if applying for this post was the right thing to do. Im not that young either ( 36 ) and although I have 4 children and they are now growing up and need me less, my self belief is shattered. I love caring for people and so nursing seemed an obvious choice. Thing is Im in a catch 22. I need to attend the interview to restore some of my confidence, but as my confidence is so low, how am I going to get over this?? Also if I am sucessful and I am offered the post, will the senior staff think Im stupid for asking questions? Will I be expected to know all the answers or will I be supported? Has anyone else felt like this or am I just fooling myself? alittlelost.x

Hello

I've just completed my first shift HCA and would like to know that you will be fine.

I use to be an IT Engineer and decided to give it up as I wanted a more rewarding job.

Like you I thought I would never get the job I wanted because at 41 yrs old I had no background in care work. My interview was based on me as a person and how caring I came across. You have to remember that the people who are interviewing you will also have a very caring nature so just be yourself and you will do just fine.

I began my first shift at 5am this morning and helped 5 clients. I've got to tell you that I was really frightened as I had no idea what to expect or if I could cope. My trainer was brilliant and allowed me to use my common sense and feel confident with what I was doing. I felt on top of the world as I left each one of them lovely people with a smile.

I should imagine anyones confidence will excel or return in a such rewarding job as this so have a little faith in yourself and look forward to your interview.

xxx

Hi,

Did you get the job?