Meet Owode and learn how she got a Job in Primary Care...
When I was with Rochdale Training, I was doing customer service training when they called me about an opportunity with the NHS as a receptionist. They wanted to train people for the role, and even though I didn’t realise it was for Primary Care, I was really looking for an admin job at the time. I was desperate, to be honest. I thought I’d go through the process, and they’d hand me a job, but that’s not how it worked. They called me back for another customer service training session, and I didn’t get it at first. I had already done one, so I wasn’t sure why I needed to go again. But looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made because I ended up meeting some amazing people.
The process started with a test, and we were introduced to the customers. I wasn’t confident at first, but we started the training with a 2-week placement. I remember thinking, ‘Do I really know what I’m doing?’ because it was all still new, and I was nervous about what would come next. But the course itself turned out to be incredible. It wasn’t just about training us to be robotic workers; they supported me emotionally as well, which made it a really good experience for me.
After I completed my 2-week pre-employment placement, Ruth, one of the trainers, suggested I apply for the ARIS role, which involved 4 weeks of training. That turned out to be fantastic, and now, I’m here today working at Peterloo Medical Centre.
There are so many benefits to working in Primary Care. Before this, I worked in Secondary Care, and the night shifts were exhausting, especially since I had a child. I wasn’t getting enough sleep, and it was tough balancing everything. When I transitioned into Primary Care, I had no idea it would be so flexible. That’s been one of the best parts because now I can work around my sons' schedules. When I got the job at Peterloo, they asked me what hours would work for me. I told them, and they were completely supportive. Now, I work from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, which is perfect I can drop my kids off at school and pick them up after.
"I honestly wish I had moved into Primary Care sooner. "
The flexibility here is outstanding, something I’ve never experienced before. I honestly wish I had moved into Primary Care sooner. The team is supportive in every way. I remember once I had an emergency at my son’s school, and when I told them, they said, ‘No problem, go take care of it.’ It was such a relief and took a huge weight off my shoulders. It’s just really nice working here.
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