A day in the life of… a healthcare clinical support worker

After more than two decades working in care homes, Jon Cox decided it was time for a change and applied for his first hospital job.

With 25 years’ experience in health and social care under his belt, Jon, 45 from Middlesbrough, is now a NHS healthcare clinical support worker. He works on the emergency assessment unit (EAU) at the University Hospital of North Tees, supporting patients with a variety of care needs.

Jon plays a crucial role on the unit, working alongside nursing and medical staff to support with monitoring patients, assisting with personal care and undertaking some clinical duties. His role requires previous experience in health and social care as well as a NVQ level 3 or equivalent qualification.

We sat down with Jon to find out a little more about his role, how he’s enjoying the move to a hospital workplace, and the opportunities available for a healthcare clinical support worker.

What led to your role as a healthcare clinical support worker?

I’ve worked in care for about 25 years now. I used to work in residential care and just wanted a change really so I applied for this role in the trust.

I came through the recruitment centre and found the process really easy. It was very straightforward and quick for me.

And I’ve been on EAU at North Tees for about two and a half years now.

What does the job involve?

I do mainly clinical tasks – catheter care, cannulas, bloods. I do the scans and the ECGs, do all the obs and escalate patients when they’re really poorly.

There isn’t such a thing as a typical shift really. Some days it’s quite steady and relatively easy going, other days it can be manic – but I love that side of it and being kept on my toes.

What do you love about your role?

I really do get a lot of job satisfaction from knowing that I’ve helped people. Having a poorly patient come in and then seeing them getting better and going home – you know you’ve done your job.

I love the variety on EAU as well. We see different patients with different needs. It is busy, but I enjoy that.

From my personal experience, I’ve found the trust and the EAU team really accommodating. I have healthcare needs myself so between my condition and treatments, everyone’s been so cooperative and great. The team’s referred me to occupational health when I’ve needed it, they’ve made adjustments for me – I really can’t fault them.

What’s next for you?

I’ve just ventured out and joined NHS Professionals to get experience working in different areas and scopes of the hospital. It’s good to get a variety of skills I think so I’ve been picking up shifts in theatre support and A&E to really expand that experience.

Any advice for someone considering a career as a healthcare clinical support worker?

I’d say just go for it. I’d considered it years ago but just had a bit of fear about the change. I realised that you’re never really going to know for sure until you try. So I tried it, I loved it and here I am still.