1. How long have you been in healthcare and at Florence?
Before moving to the UK, I did something quite different and worked as a technician. I’ve been working as a care professional for four years now. I first took a permanent care role, then joined Florence to cover temporary shifts over 2 years ago. I’m now approaching working almost 600 shifts with Florence.
2. Please share a little bit about your journey into care work
My dad developed Parkinsons’ disease, and I became his primary carer. It was during this time that I developed my passion for care.
3. What do you like most about working with Florence?
I learned about Florence through a friend already using the app to find care work. So before I tried Florence, I knew the app came highly recommended. I was working at a care home in a permanent role and started with Florence by booking one-off shifts. I then decided to go full-time with Florence as I loved the flexibility: I could choose when and where want to work. Also, getting paid is always straightforward, and keeping track of my pay within the app is easy.
4. What is the best thing about working in care?
When you are passionate about caring for others, you enjoy the job. I don’t find it a stressful job – because I have gained experience and love to care. I guess I’m a bit of a workaholic as I love my work so much.
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“Brian is a very dedicated member of the team and even though he is not one of our permanent staff, he fits in as if he is. We trust him immensely to do his job and always feel confident when he is on shift knowing our residents are getting the best care possible. A lovely person through and through.”
Marie, Bupa Care Services
5. Tell us your favourite story about working in care
I was working a night shift at the care home as an agency care assistant. They always treated me like I was part of the team. The team asked me to take a resident who had fallen to the hospital; I felt honoured as only permanent staff are usually asked to do this. It shows that they trusted me. Some people say that agency staff get treated differently from permanent staff, but I’ve never found this to be true.
6. What features do you find helpful in the Florence app?
The app is very transparent and very easy to use. You can have everything you need in one place.
7. What advice would you give care professionals considering joining Florence?
It’s excellent – 9/10. I would definitely recommend trying Florence.
8. What would you say to someone considering a career in care?
I would encourage them and I’ve encouraged a lot of people to join people to join Florence.
9. What’s the one thing you wish everyone understood about being a care professional?
I want people to understand the reality of working in care and that the most important thing is that you always care. These are vulnerable people we are looking after. No matter what they say or do to you – your job is to care.
Thank you, Brian, for being such a loyal part of the Florence care community. We’re thrilled we “make you feel very valued” and are so happy to award you Star of the Month this month – you deserve it.
If you’re inspired by Brian and want to join Florence, sign up today.
You may also be interested in:
– Meet Florence Star Award winner Joyce [March ’24]
– Meet Gresham Florence Star Award winner Gresham [Jan ‘ 24]