A TRAINEE nurse who found her vocation when providing emergency first aid during her first career as cabin crew for British Airways has welcomed the ‘broadening of her horizons’ during a placement at a nursing home.
She assumed the role at the specialist dementia care home under guidance of the home’s clinical lead, Bincy John.
Zillah Oakes, manager of Camelot House and Lodge, said: “We understand the need for nursing students to have a sense of belonging while on placements, so ensured Elenya had a very thorough induction in the different aspects of her role, and that the learning opportunities offered reflect the stage she is at with her studies.”
Elenya said: “My placement at Camelot House and Lodge is for a total of five weeks and I think it’s a great place for students to gain insight into caring for older adults with mental health challenges and dementia.
“Before I came here, I hadn’t had much exposure to working with individuals with advanced dementia, so this placement has provided me with great insight into the care needs of the residents and how dementia presents differently on an individual basis.
“I have been incredibly well supported by the friendly and welcoming staff here at Camelot House and feel they value the teaching provided to their students.
“The most rewarding part of this placement for me is to spend time talking to the residents and engaging them in activities.
“It can be very emotional for all involved when caring for people living with dementia, however if I can help to make their day a little better, put a smile on their faces and relieve any discomfort, then I feel that I am fulfilling my purpose as a nurse.”
Elenya, who is due to qualify in the summer of 2027, previously worked as a healthcare assistant at an urgent treatment centre and then went on to work as a senior healthcare assistant at a minor injury and illness walk in centre, both of which she says helped her significantly to develop various clinical and non-clinical skills.
Elenya’s other placements to date have included working on a stroke ward, interventional radiology, forensic mental health and a community rehabilitation ward.
Dr Joel Faronbi, Elenya's academic assessor at the University of Exeter, said: “Nursing homes are increasingly being used for student nurse placements because of the autonomous decision making and leadership and management skills nurses in these sectors have.
“The one-to-one support Bincy John is offering our student at Camelot House and Lodge is brilliant, and Elenya will emerge from this placement more confident in how to nurse people with dementia, and with an enhanced understanding of person-centred care, and a better grasp of the problems that can occur when patients are transferred from an acute setting.
“We really appreciate the support of Camelot Care in agreeing to provide this placement.”