Luke's role is a Practice Support leader in a GP Practice and this is his story of how he got a job in Primary Care...
So, I originally looked into doing a dentist nurse apprenticeship but when the course was explained to me I didn't want to be on the clinical side as much and I then realised I wanted to work on reception. That's when I started to look at reception job roles and The Hive were hiring! I underwent 2 interviews and found out I got the position!
I was employed as a receptionist in January 2021 when the pandemic was still very much at its height! I went in with very little knowledge of the NHS and the services that were provided but I wanted to have a job that had purpose and to help people as much as I possibly could. I soon realised after a year of being in reception and admin that I wanted to upskill and learn more about the business, so I set up a meeting with the Practice Manager and talked about my future with The Hive. Since then, I have been working my way up from a personal assistant to the practice manager and now to the practice support leader.
My role is currently the 'Practice Support Leader' and I supervise the staff and ensure the workload is up to date. I also check policies and recently have moved onto complaints. I am also the first point of call for the staff to take some pressure off the practice manager. I remind the practice manager of any premises checks or training that is due to expire and book in for these to be completed. I train all new staff and I am starting monthly staff feedback 1 to 1s as part of my role to ensure staff are completely up to date with any new communications and services that have come into place.
"My advice to anyone considering a career in Primary Care I would say GO FOR IT!"
My advice to anyone considering a career in Primary Care I would say GO FOR IT! I would say though, that I do miss my days in reception as they are limited due to my workload. However, I do get to cover and jump on certain days. The job is very rewarding and you meet great people. It really does open your eyes on the NHS too and not to take things for granted.
One thing I love about my job is that I love the flexibility and the trust that the practice manager and partners have with me. They allow me to come and go and know I will always get my work completed. I am free to trail new things and I am able to express concerns. I am comfortable in my position and I love the fact the staff are confident enough to come to me with any queries.
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