‘Always go for your goals’

Care home manager Anne Kasey talks about nurturing new members of staff and why it is a privilege to provide good end of life care 

What is your job title?

I am the registered home manager at the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society’s care home, Belvedere House, in Banstead, Surrey. It’s a specialist nursing home that looks after former seafarers and their dependents.

What is your job? 

I manage all clinical aspects of care at Belvedere House on behalf of the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society. We have more than 60 beds and a dedicated dementia wing to provide expert care for those who have spent their lives at sea.

What are your main responsibilities? 

My position is a front-line leadership role in a nursing home setting. I am responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day clinical operations, including recruiting and managing staff teams, managing clinical budgets and ensuring that the quality of the services provided meets the Care Act 2014.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

As soon as I started my training I was comfortable working in the whole environment of a large general hospital. I love nursing because I can help people when they most need it.

I have spent the past 35 years leading the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society nursing team. Providing the best end of life care is my passion; it is the last thing you can do for someone. Knowing that I can enable a resident to have a good death is a privilege.

How and where have you developed leadership skills? 

The Royal Alfred has been extremely supportive in ensuring I have had the appropriate training for my current role. The home likes to grow its own leaders. It has certainly helped me and I have seen the way it nurtures members of staff to ensure the best care is provided for residents. 

And how does your current job make use of your skills?

I like to feel I am empathetic and have a lot of contact with residents’ families when they are going through difficult times. I also like the challenge of supporting less experienced clinical staff and assisting in their professional development.

What is the greatest challenge? 

Keeping up with changes to legislation.

What inspires you?

Seeing the Royal Alfred flourish as a charity and seeing younger members of the team grow and develop their careers.

What do you do in your free time?

Travel, read historical novels and visit National Trust sites. My family is everything to me and I like to spend time with them. 

What achievement makes you most proud?

When I reflect on where I started, I am so proud of where I am in my career today.

What makes a good nurse leader?

Fairness, integrity; being open and transparent.

What advice would you like to pass onto students and junior staff?

Always go for your goals, follow your dreams and stretch yourself.