The care home sector: a chance for career progression

In early 2023, I fancied a new challenge after 14 years working as a senior nursing lecturer in academia. Only 3 months into the role of Regional Senior Nurse (RSN), for one of the largest social care companies in the UK, it is both challenging and interesting to be doing something very different.

Jack et al (2019) suggested that working in a care home setting is not viewed as an attractive career opportunity for nurses. Many nurses may share that view, but I would like to challenge you to think differently. There is a huge scope to develop and apply skills and knowledge, making a significant positive difference to the quality of care for older people, to live their best life (Cousins et al, 2016).

HC-One has 269 care homes in England, Wales and Scotland, offering residential, nursing, respite, intermediate and specialist care for older people with varying needs. There is also provision for younger residents living with acquired brain injuries, severe learning difficulties or mental health needs. The 5Cs (curious, compassionate, creative, courageous and counted on) are the company's core qualities to be embedded into everyone's practice.