“The course is very practice based so it has given me have a better understanding as to why things are done in a particular way. Being able to follow a routine and do the work is one thing but knowing the reason for the routine really helps.”
Carol knew when she started the course at the College’s Magherafelt campus last September that balancing family commitments with working nights in the care home was always going to be a challenge. Nothing could have prepared her for the challenge of doing it all during the COVID 19 pandemic.
“I work nights and am responsible for looking after eight residents. I enjoy my work and always try to have a friendly face and a positive attitude but when we have to wear masks, it, it can upset the residents and some of them may need a lot of reassurance.”
She said studying through the pandemic has been challenging for a number of different reasons: “It’s hard being out of the classroom and having to do the course online. I miss the face to face learning with my tutors and contact with other students and it can be hard to concentrate as I’m also helping the children with their schoolwork during the day.”
Carol completed a Level 2 Healthcare course in 2012 and although she had plenty of practical experience, she admits that it did take her a while to get back into the way of studying.
“I did feel bit out of my depth at times but the tutors have been excellent. They were always very understanding and supportive and now that we are having to do everything online, f I have any queries, I email and they respond very quickly.”
Healthcare lecturer Eimear Lennon, who co-ordinates the Level 4 programme at Magherafelt, said she had great admiration for students like Carol who are doing ‘a wonderful job in very stressful and challenging circumstances’.
“I feel they deserve great credit for the selfless way they are risking their lives working at the frontline while continuing with their coursework and home schooling their children.”