I like going home at the end of the shift feeling I have contributed and hopefully made a difference to patients, clinicians and colleagues.
I had taken early retirement from a very demanding role however still wanted to work and keep my brain active. Driving has always been a pleasure and I've got a caring attitude so when this role was advertised it fitted like a glove.
I was an Area General Manager for 30 years with the same company.
Firstly I complete checks on the OOH car to ensure it is safe, legal and roadworthy. I ensure the Clinicians' consulting rooms are correctly set up with blank prescriptions and medical bag and load the Doctor's car with medicines, controlled drugs, defib, nebuliser, admin materials etc. I drive the Clinician to any assigned visits safely and give any assistance required with regards to issuing medicines or consumables. Prior to the end of the shift I restock with meds and consumables that may have been used on visits and complete end of shift paperwork. Finally I ensure the consulting rooms are left as found and prescriptions are locked away.
The team work, variety on a day-to-day basis and going home at the end of the shift feeling you have contributed and hopefully made a difference to patients, clinicians and/or colleagues. I also like the opportunities to progress.
The feedback I have received via managers from clinicians with regards to being helpful, going the extra mile and organisation of store/stock rooms. Another achievement is that I am now additionally responsible for the meds management at two of the OOH bases. I also covered for my Line Manager whilst he was on leave.
Having come from a fairly senior management position responsible for almost 200 employees, I struggle to realise that I do not have the authority or autonomy to make changes without prior authorisation. I find it frustrating when people don't have the same level of passion that I do as I really like to go the extra mile to improve the team's results.
A number of things but overall this is not just a job, people need to have commitment, be caring, go the extra mile, want to make a difference, be proud of their role and whatever part that may take within the team.
Through welfare visits, appraisals, one-to-ones, training, development and being given the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities.
A major part of my personal life is about my beautiful wife, three lovely daughters and three beautiful grandchildren. This role allows me the opportunity to make the most of this with the option of shift swaps, taking holiday and if required I can request a change to my contracted hours on a permanent basis.
The integration of Health & Care all catered for under one umbrella and the variety of roles within the organisation.
If you're looking for a career where you are caring, organised, committed, and prepared to give that bit extra, then you should definitely apply and enjoy that feeling you get when you have helped to improve someone's day.