‘I love to see residents happy and content, and their relatives reassured’

Julie Newman, manager of Ivybank House care home, Falkirk, reflects on her career to date

What are your main responsibilities?

It is my job to maintain a high standard of care for our residents through effective management of the home. I also promote the home to all interested clientele, and maintain professionalism to uphold the principles and philosophies of the company.

I select and recruit staff for all disciplines in the home. Communication is important, and I ensure that I am always effectively communicating with staff in matters relating to the clients and the home. I also contribute to, and promote, a warm, friendly and homely environment.

Why did you become a nurse?

From a young age I wanted to become a nurse. I am happiest looking after people and helping them.

When I left school, I worked in the local care home as a care assistant, and this helped me make up my mind up that it was the career path I wanted to take. I then went on and trained to become a nurse, tried a few different job roles in nursing. However my passion was always in care of the elderly.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the different challenges that I face each day. As a care home manager, no two days are the same. I love to see the residents happy and content, and their relatives reassured that their loved ones in our hands.

It can be hard work at times being responsible for staff, residents and their families, but it is a rewarding job.

How and where have you developed leadership skills?

I have a Scottish vocational qualification in leadership and management, as well as various health and safety certificates.

I have been a manager for four years and in this time I have gained a vast amount of confidence dealing with the issues I come across.

I am also doing an up-skill course provided by the company, which has made me self-aware. Meallmore, the care provider, offers fantastic leadership development courses for any staff who are eager to hone their leadership skills.

How does your current job make use of your skills?

I have good communication skills, which are important as a manager. Since being awarded a leadership and management qualification, I can deal better with difficult situations.

What inspires you?

My residents are an inspiration to me. I find it interesting listening to stories about their lives as I work towards helping them and making a difference in the later stages of their lives.

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy travelling, eating out, spending time with my family and going to the cinema.

What achievement makes you most proud?

I am most proud of becoming a nurse, working my way up to deputy manager and then becoming manager of the care home.

I was also recently made manager of the year at Meallmore’s 2018 staff awards, which was an extremely special moment for me.

What makes a good nurse leader?

A good relationship with your staff, residents and their families is always key to being a great leader. You need to have an open-door policy, and know what is going on in your team and home at all times.

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

Never give up. This is a truly rewarding and fulfilling career.