Residential care home yes or no?

Question

i'm planing to do my nvq level 2 in health and social care and i'l be working in a care home. I've always wanted to go into social work and then psychotherapy. after achieving level to i want to achieve level 3 an then 4. Do you think it's a good idea for me to do nvq level 2 and work in a care home to achieve my long term target? i'm not to sure if i should accept the offer to work in a care home whilst studying in college?

Answer 1

I would say it depends on the type of home you are looking to work in. There is no doubt that the hands on experience will be invaluble to you but if its not a decent home then it will be of no benefit to you what so ever.

  

I Previously worked in a care home for the elderly and was given the chance to do my NVQ 2 in care. At first I thought this was a fantastic chance but in the end I'm glad it all went wrong. My employer took over a year to (finally) pull their finger out and get me registered and by this time I found out what a shame the place was. Staff were instutionalized which esentially resulting in abuse taking place which made me sick. I told the manager what I thought of them and walked out.

My current employer who I have worked for just over a year now has given me the same chance and are infinitly better. THey provide support and training, are modern and always evolving their care to meet the demands of their client base and treat their staff like people.

  The point I am wanting to make here is be 100% sure you will not be wanting to leave the home who will be paying for you to do your NVQ because if you decide to leave part way through due to their treatment of you or their residents it can leave you having to foot the bill for your course which can be expensive.

Answer 2

I work post BSW in a group home for psychiatrically disabled adults - it was great experience to go on for my MSW with and for future work I have done in the area of mental health.  So I would say it sounds like a very good path.

DA