Working in mental health?
Discussion
A friend of mine is considering a career change to mental health. He currently has what I reckon one of the last 2 jobs in the country with anything to do with mortgages - and he wants to move to something safer.
Obviously there will be working with some pretty grim characters, but as a HCA (healthcare assistant) what will his role be?
Basically he doesn't to spend the rest of his life cleaning poo and vomit off the walls. (which I sniggered at when he said!)
Obviously there will be working with some pretty grim characters, but as a HCA (healthcare assistant) what will his role be?
Basically he doesn't to spend the rest of his life cleaning poo and vomit off the walls. (which I sniggered at when he said!)
My Mum works with people with mental health issues and it's an incredible job. It's amazing the people that she supports and how their lives have gone from quite "normal" to having mental health issues that change their lives totally. I heard a radio programme the other day that was saying that by the end of this year more than 1 in 10 people will have mental health issues due to the current economic climate. If he has an outgoing and forward thinking personality then he should do well. An ability to communicate with lots of different people has to be a "must have" for this type of job. Good luck to him if he goes for it. I couldn't work in this field and have tremendous respect for those who do.
I've worked in mental health for 18 years now. Health Care Assistant suggests his role is likely to be ward based. He might have to get his hands dirty especially if working with the elderly but is likely to spend most of his time supporting the nursing staff, taking patient's out on leave, talking with the patients etc. Job is emotionally demanding and poorly paid (maybe 14K max).
I had a mate who once worked in a proper nut house.
Many of the patients had no idea of right or wrong or social etiquette.
One bloke used to crap himself, then eat it if he was hungry.
Another woman used to continuously, and I mean continuously, masturbate. Her nickname was Birdseye.
He said that day trips to the park or playgrounds were often quite embarrassing.
Many of the patients had no idea of right or wrong or social etiquette.
One bloke used to crap himself, then eat it if he was hungry.
Another woman used to continuously, and I mean continuously, masturbate. Her nickname was Birdseye.
He said that day trips to the park or playgrounds were often quite embarrassing.
Both my parents work for the NHS full time and both have since their 20's.
I'd mention to him is that anyone working in the health industry at a caring level doesn't just work 9-5, you may not have a contractual obligation to continue working after hours but anyone with any sense of caring will be morally obliged to doing more than your fair share. It'll be stressful, pretty thankless and the feeling of making a difference doesn't overwhelm either. Also you'll have to deal with incompetent management on a level you'd never believe was possible.
All in all it's not for everyone but it can be a rewarding profession
I'd mention to him is that anyone working in the health industry at a caring level doesn't just work 9-5, you may not have a contractual obligation to continue working after hours but anyone with any sense of caring will be morally obliged to doing more than your fair share. It'll be stressful, pretty thankless and the feeling of making a difference doesn't overwhelm either. Also you'll have to deal with incompetent management on a level you'd never believe was possible.
All in all it's not for everyone but it can be a rewarding profession
How do,
I work in mental health, as a specialist OT within a inner city acute response team. Its a cracking job, always interesting, sometimes you need to have your wits about you, particularly when visiting rough as fook areas!
I supervise HCA's and did some time as one prior to qualifying at uni...
The job in general is very tough, and can be very stressful, your mate would need to be a seriously altruistic person, as unqualified roles don't pay well, and you're the bottom of the chain of command.( no less crucial to the team for that though).....
I work in mental health, as a specialist OT within a inner city acute response team. Its a cracking job, always interesting, sometimes you need to have your wits about you, particularly when visiting rough as fook areas!
I supervise HCA's and did some time as one prior to qualifying at uni...
The job in general is very tough, and can be very stressful, your mate would need to be a seriously altruistic person, as unqualified roles don't pay well, and you're the bottom of the chain of command.( no less crucial to the team for that though).....
At present I get a conflicting set of directives almost on a weekly basis. In part due to a fatality in the city a little while ago, and perpetrated by a client under the care of one of our sister teams. The spotlight is on the service in a big way, and at the same time, every possible penny is being squeezed from our budgets.
Lunacy I tell ya!
Lunacy I tell ya!
batfink79 said:
How do,
I work in mental health, as a specialist OT within a inner city acute response team. Its a cracking job, always interesting, sometimes you need to have your wits about you, particularly when visiting rough as fook areas!
I supervise HCA's and did some time as one prior to qualifying at uni...
The job in general is very tough, and can be very stressful, your mate would need to be a seriously altruistic person, as unqualified roles don't pay well, and you're the bottom of the chain of command.( no less crucial to the team for that though).....
Sorry to HiJack, but Batfink, would you mind if I emailed you about a situation I'm having with a friend of mine?I work in mental health, as a specialist OT within a inner city acute response team. Its a cracking job, always interesting, sometimes you need to have your wits about you, particularly when visiting rough as fook areas!
I supervise HCA's and did some time as one prior to qualifying at uni...
The job in general is very tough, and can be very stressful, your mate would need to be a seriously altruistic person, as unqualified roles don't pay well, and you're the bottom of the chain of command.( no less crucial to the team for that though).....
I could really use some advice.
randomman said:
A friend of mine is considering a career change to mental health. He currently has what I reckon one of the last 2 jobs in the country with anything to do with mortgages - and he wants to move to something safer.
Obviously there will be working with some pretty grim characters, but as a HCA (healthcare assistant) what will his role be?
Basically he doesn't to spend the rest of his life cleaning poo and vomit off the walls. (which I sniggered at when he said!)
My wife is a healthcare assistant. She was basically a bum wiper and washer and general medical dogsbody, when she worked at an agency, going to numerous different homes and all, but she now works looking after one disabled girl.Obviously there will be working with some pretty grim characters, but as a HCA (healthcare assistant) what will his role be?
Basically he doesn't to spend the rest of his life cleaning poo and vomit off the walls. (which I sniggered at when he said!)
The trouble is most places only pay minimum salary for this sort of job. Unless you have qualifications which take you above the healthcare assistant status into something more specialised.
I worked in an NHS regional (medium) secure unit for a few years whilst studying, and later in a private hospital for offenders with LDs/mental illness/personality disorders (as an assistant psychologist).
It can be interesting, challenging and difficult work, that's for sure. The pay is pretty dismal though - I currently earn nearly four times what I did then (I now work in youth justice).
I think that working in this field is either something that you will take to or you won't.
It might be worth your friend doing some kind of voluntary work before committing themselves - to see if they have the necessary aptitude, empathy, tenacity, resilience and sense of humour.
It can be interesting, challenging and difficult work, that's for sure. The pay is pretty dismal though - I currently earn nearly four times what I did then (I now work in youth justice).
I think that working in this field is either something that you will take to or you won't.
It might be worth your friend doing some kind of voluntary work before committing themselves - to see if they have the necessary aptitude, empathy, tenacity, resilience and sense of humour.
^
What he said, healthcare assts have historically had a bum deal of it, in particular in working as agency staff, where they are resented by full time staff. This mainly within private sector nursing homes etc.
As King Heralds wife has possibly experienced, being the carer for just the one person can substantially increase the job satisfaction and the quality of engagement for both the client and the carer...
What he said, healthcare assts have historically had a bum deal of it, in particular in working as agency staff, where they are resented by full time staff. This mainly within private sector nursing homes etc.
As King Heralds wife has possibly experienced, being the carer for just the one person can substantially increase the job satisfaction and the quality of engagement for both the client and the carer...
Edited by batfink79 on Tuesday 10th March 21:57
Si 330 said:
My wife is a registered nurse she works in a secure unit.
The HCA on her unit help the clients with general living, assisting them getting dressed, washing, wiping there arses,doing the laundry, escorting them on trips out and restraining them.
Unsociable hours and crap money.
Lovely!The HCA on her unit help the clients with general living, assisting them getting dressed, washing, wiping there arses,doing the laundry, escorting them on trips out and restraining them.
Unsociable hours and crap money.
Just shown him this thread. Funnily enough it hasn't put him off (the nutter!)
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