A woman who has a passion for starting a career in patient care has finally realised it – more than a decade after starting her journey.
Jodi Pearson joined North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust as a ward hostess, preparing and serving patients their meals every day.
The role gave Jodi a clear view of what working in patient care involved – and her passion to pursue it as a career developed.
Thanks to her passion and the support of her colleagues in the education department and in the respiratory unit she works in, she has started a level three senior healthcare qualification at Stockton Riverside College.
Once she completes this, she will qualify for a role as a healthcare assistant.
She said: “I came to the organisation more than 10 years ago, knowing I wanted to ultimately work in a direct role caring for patients.
“The COVID pandemic made me absolutely certain that this was what I wanted, working as a team support worker. Staff all working together for the benefit of our patients when they needed it most, it’s what I knew I wanted to do.
“Thanks to the incredible support of my colleagues, I am now starting the process of getting the qualifications I need.
“And once I have those I may continue on to study to be a nursing associate. One step at a time but this is my passion.”
Suzanne Coyle-Watson, a non-clinical educator, was part of a team of staff who helped Jodi along the way.
“I am so proud”
She said: “I am so proud of Jodi for everything she has done. She has gained qualifications in maths and English that she needed and has now started her qualification in healthcare.
“I am so proud of everything she has achieved and she will give many staff inspiration to follow their dreams.”
Elizabeth Meldrum, ward matron on the respiratory unit, said: “Jodi brings with her such a positive attitude and lifts staff morale across the unit.
“When we knew of her ambitions, we were determined to do all that we could to support her with it.
“And we have fought to keep her on this ward – such is our level of respect for her.”