The ‘normal’ care centres that I have worked for before always felt too regimented – if I spent too long with someone I was caring for then I would be picked up on it. But here at Sue Ryder Dee View Court, I am positively encouraged to spend the time I need to with each resident.

I just love how the care is delivered here: it is so person centred. Having the opportunity to spend adequate time and build good relationships with residents and their families makes this job very rewarding.

I’ve never had a boring shift here, and I love the buzz and busy atmosphere. In previous roles, after a little while I found I wanted to move on because things felt repetitive, but here every day is so varied I don’t feel like that at all.

Why I'm training to become a Sue Ryder Nurse

Things got busier for me last year because I started my nursing qualification at Robert Gordon University.

Val, the Centre Director, and the rest of the team have all been really supportive by letting me fit my shift times around my study commitments. I have been able to keep working part time, which is important to me because I miss it when I’m not here.

Watching the other Sue Ryder Nurses at work has encouraged me to want to go as far as possible with my training. There's a real feeling of being part of a team and everyone supports each other.

"Exciting times ahead"

I can hopefully see myself staying here for a while as it’s just such a good place to work.

There are also exciting times ahead as the centre expansion becomes a reality. I’m looking forward to welcoming the new residents and staff members, and helping them to settle in to life at Dee View Court.

I think it’s important for people to know that this is not ‘just another care job’; it’s so much more than that.