Reversa's Story
Recruitment of Nurses has been such a topic of discussion, not only in the Local news but also as a National topic, as both the NHS and Social care have had difficulties recruiting and retaining Qualified Nurses.
We wanted to find out what Foxburrow Grange and Outlook care had to offer our nursing staff and a good starting point was to ask one of our nurses at Foxburrow Grange nursing Home in Colchester .
Reversa Shava, known as Rev, joined Foxburrow Grange in May 2021. She had worked at Colchester General Hospital for 6 years and came to us as very experienced Registered General Nurse. The experience of working for the NHS during the pandemic is what made Rev decide to look for another job away from the NHS. Rev stated that workload was so heavy and relentless, she was absolutely exhausted due to lack of staff and due to the high levels of sickness across the hospital. She thought she would try something new. She saw the advert for Foxburrow Grange and applied for the position.
Outlook Care offered the following, and this inspired Rev to apply for the role at Foxburrow Grange.
- Comprehensive training and induction package
- Progression and development opportunities
- 33 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata)
- Membership of the Social Housing Pension Defined Contribution scheme including life assurance of 3 times annual salary and pension contributions equivalent of up to 4% of your salary.
- Sick pay to support you if you are not able to work & enhanced maternity and paternity.
- Refer a friend scheme, offering £250 for successful referrals.
- Early Pay - access to pay you have already earned before payday.
- £4000 flat welcome bonus on successful completion of a probationary period (Permanent Nurses only)
- £500 retention award every 6 months (Permanent Nurses only & T&Cs apply)
- NMC subscriptions reimbursed.
Rev really enjoyed the interview experience , she said she found the staff team at Foxburrow Grange to be so receptive, welcoming and very kind, Rev joined the team, and she settled in very quickly and enjoys her role.
Discover more : The benefits of a career in care with Outlook care
Our Registered Home manager at Foxburrow Grange is so pleased to have Rev as part of our Nursing team, and commented, “Rev is a valued member of our Nursing team" ... Not only is Rev further described as being a very good nurse but more importantly a truly nice person and is so valued by our staff, residents, and their families.
Click button to see current vacanciesEmma's Story
Emma's Compassionate Journey at Foxburrow Grange
Emma's journey at Foxburrow Grange is a testament to thepower of compassion and the profound impact it can have on the lives of those living with dementia. Initially joining our team as a cleaner in 2019, Emma quickly demonstrated a genuine affinity for our residents. She took the time to get to know them individually, understanding their passions and interacting with them on a personal level. This innate compassion and understanding did not go unnoticed.Recognising Emma's natural ability to connect with residentsand her positive contribution to their well-being, the Home Manager encouraged her to apply for the position of Activities Coordinator when a vacancy arose in 2021. This was a pivotal moment, not only for Emma but for the entire Foxburrow Grange community.
Embracing a Holistic Approach to Care:
At Foxburrow Grange, we embrace a holistic approach todementia care, and emphasise positive reinforcement, sensory stimulation, and creating a calm and supportive environment. Emma quickly embraced these philosophies and incorporates these principles into her daily work, providing comforting hand and foot massages in a serene atmosphere, complete with relaxing music and calming lights. These sensory experiences offer invaluable comfort, affection, and reassurance to our residents, particularly those living with advanced dementia.Cultivating Compassion
While training provides valuable tools, true compassionoriginates from within. Emma possesses an innate reservoir of compassion that shines through in every interaction. She understands the importance of human touch, believing that "hugs feel like home for the residents." This philosophy has become an integral part of the Foxburrow Grange culture,
fostering a warm and supportive environment for all.Personalised Experiences
Emma's creativity is a cornerstone of her success. Shebelieves in tailoring activities to individual needs and preferences, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether it's adapting existing activities to support independence or finding innovative ways to engage even the most reserved residents, Emma consistently demonstrates her ingenuity.One of Emma's most remarkable initiatives was theintroduction of "wine and cheese parties." Instead of the traditional
dining room setting, Emma transformed the lounge area into a sophisticated restaurant, complete with attentive "waiters" (staff members) and the gentle melodies of classical music. This unique approach not only enhanced the dining experience but also created a sense of anticipation and excitement among the residents.The Power of Music
Emma recognised the profound impact of music on theemotional and cognitive well-being of our residents. This led to the establishment of the "Foxy Foxes Dementia Choir" in 2022. Today, this vibrant group boasts 20 dedicated members who proudly wear their yellow and pink t-shirts and perform regularly for residents, families, and the wider community. The choir's debut CD is a testament to their talent and dedication. Beyond the joy of singing, the choir offers numerous benefits:- Improved memory and social interaction: Singing helps residents create new memories and connect with others.
- Increased engagement: It provides a reason for residents to leave their rooms and participate in group activities.
- Reduced anxiety and improved mood: Music has a calming effect on many residents, reducing anxiety and elevating their spirits.
Discover more : The benefits of a career in care with Outlook care
Inspiring a Culture of Compassion:
Emma's passion and dedication have a ripple effect, inspiring staff, volunteers, and visitors alike. Her enthusiasm for supporting residents is contagious, creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere throughout the home.A Testament to Compassionate Care:
At Foxburrow Grange, we strive to create a nurturing environment where every resident feels valued and respected. Our team works tirelessly to build positive relationships, encourage friendships, and support residents in living fulfilling lives, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.Emma's remarkable journey exemplifies the profound impact ofcompassion in dementia care. Her dedication, creativity, and unwavering belief in the power of human connection make her a true inspiration to us all.
Click button to see current vacanciesSally's Story
Foxburrow Grange's sister home, St George’s Nursing home, Witham has an impressive track record with the delivery of Quality care , this includes a spectrum of care from complex nursing care to palliative care and end of life care.
The team at St George’s is lead by the Registered Home Manager, Sally Morgan, who has an impressive 45-year career in the healthcare sector. Sally has navigated the complexities that Nursing care brings both within the NHS and social care settings. Sally has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and is being recognised in the Registered Manager Category at the Great British Care Awards.
Sally knows that a culture of equality and inclusion is pivotal to positive outcomes for the residents and works tirelessly to embed this in her staff. They are encouraged
to develop and expand their knowledge and skills at all levels and Sally provides them with flexible training so that no one is excluded and, where online training can be done remotely, staff have been able to complete the training without affecting their life responsibilities. All staff are supported with protected time for completion of their care certificate which consolidates their understanding of equality and inclusion in the workplace.Her overriding objective is to ensure that the residents have a very loud say in what happens and, when they can’t, due to medical conditions, then she and her team become that voice. Here are but a few examples of how Sally brings her skill and knowledge both as a manager and as registered nurse:
- Mrs W came to the home with complex needs and severe frailty. In a conversation she told Sally that all she wanted was to die at home. Clinicians claimed she was lacking capacity, but the psychiatrist confirmed she knew exactly what she wanted. Sally finally got Mrs W home, and she died shortly afterwards.
- Mr M went to hospital as his feeding tube was falling out. He returned without his tube as the hospital said he was palliative. Sally questioned the decision and sent him back to hospital. She believes a quick decision had been made, unsupported by the appropriate questions and answers. Mr M continues to do well at St George’s.
- You don’t have to be a resident to be part of St George’s family! Sally has ensured that a visiting spouse who has a medical condition and unpredictable behaviour, receives one-to-one support when there. He is very much part of the family and, thanks to Sally, receives care and compassion willingly and freely (there is no financial remuneration involved).
Discover more : The benefits of a career in care with Outlook care
It's not only Sally, but also her team of Nurses who are being recognised in a separate category at the Great British Care Awards - (for the Palliative Care Team Award), to give end of life care to any resident is something that all nurses are keen to do, however the collaboration with the local Fairleigh hospice demonstrates the values that Sally and the team share but also how they are held in high regard by the team at Farleigh Hospice .
Outlook Care is very proud of Sally and her team and wish them well at the Award ceremony, however they are already winners in the eyes of the organisation and for all that use the facilities that St George’s Nursing Home offers.
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- Mrs W came to the home with complex needs and severe frailty. In a conversation she told Sally that all she wanted was to die at home. Clinicians claimed she was lacking capacity, but the psychiatrist confirmed she knew exactly what she wanted. Sally finally got Mrs W home, and she died shortly afterwards.
