My biggest career decision was when I decided to undertake a part-time course in Management and Industrial Relations straight after completing my nursing studies. This choice and interest was inspired by the desire I had to bring out the best in others. On completion of the part-time course I undertook the Degree in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations.

My father is the one person in my life who influenced my career direction. Dad was a teacher and he encouraged me a lot in choosing a career that would match my talents and abilities. My husband also contributed to my career development. He has been very supportive and understanding. He undertook to mind the kids after his days work while I went to college which made all the difference.

The job was initially advertised internally as an acting position and I entered for the competition. I was then interviewed for the job along with others and was informed in writing that I had been successful.

After two years of acting in the job, it was again advertised nationally. I again applied for the job and was again interviewed along with others and was also informed in writing that I had been successful.

I start work at 9.30am. and I am responsible for all the Health Care Assistants in the hospital. Every Monday I prepare and validate salary returns for the Accounts Department. I take phone calls from the various ward managers and meet with my staff on a regular basis. I am also in contact with recruitment agencies to fill staff shortages.

It is a very busy department. If I am not at meetings and negotiating with staff representative bodies on matters pertaining to the Health Care Assistants, I could be on the wards assessing staff performance or assessing the practical skills of those staff doing their FETAC Level 5 training. I am also involved in the interviewing and the selection of staff, look after the rosters and manage sick leave, etc.

• Giving on-going support, supervision and guidance to Health Care Assistants and supervising their work through effective liaison with appropriate Clinical Nurse Managers and nursing staff.
  
• Help to provide a safe working environment by ensuring that safety policies and procedures and infection control policies are known and adhered to.
  
• Assist in collection of data on the performance of assigned staff and the service they provide.
• Be an advice resource person for registered nurses and midwives in relation to the role of the Health Care Assistants.
  
• Foster good working relationships between nursing staff and Health Care Assistants and deal with any problems which may arise.
• Demonstrate flexibility by accepting other assignments from time to time at the request of the Director of Nursing & Midwifery Services.
  
• Monitor and control sick leave, late attendance, or any unauthorised absences.

The main challenge is having to deal with different managers who have different managerial styles and each department has different needs. There is also a challenge to ensure that each ward has sufficient staff, particularly when staff are out sick.

Working with a team whom you know and get on well with makes the tasks so much easier. We also socialise together, so that it is not all work and no play.

Sometimes people are working under a lot of pressure and the work situation can be stressful at times but on the whole people approach their work in a professional manner.

I am a good listener but don't allow myself to become over involved in people's personal problems. I am also patient. Sometimes it is necessary to hear what is not being said in order to help people open up to what is not easy for them to express.

Economics, English, Maths, History, Biology, Art, BK, were the subjects I took. Biology stood to me for nursing but Economics and History also proved useful when I did my course in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations.

• Certificate in Nursing Studies
• Diploma in Management & Industrial Relations
• BA in Human Resource Management & Industrial Relations
• Human Development Studies

Human Resource Management & Industrial Relations and Human Development are all relevant to my current work. The employee relations aspect is particularly important and organisational behaviour.

I went into the job with the intention of bringing out the best in others and over the years I think I have had some success. I have encouraged some employees to develop themselves through courses - people who would not have considered themselves capable and they have done very well.

I would like to be remembered as someone who brings tranquility into the workplace, upholding the interest of the employees while being dedicated to upholding high standards in the workplace - someone who listens and cares.

I am a good listener and can remain calm while others are pulling their hair out. I can work under pressure and still have a laugh. Generally, I get on well with people and can motivate others to perform to the best of their ability. I am a team player.

To work in the Department of Health or Justice on issues relating to equality and diversity concerning the employment of non EU nationals.

My job does allow me a lifestyle that I am happy with. I drop the children off to school in the morning and start work at 9.30 am. I finish work in the afternoon and I am home the same time as the kids. I spend quality time with them every afternoon and I am there for the homework. I am also there to bring them to other activities outside school that they want to be involved in. There is enough time too for myself and family life as a whole.

I would advise having a degree in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations. Professional training in nursing is necessary in order to understand patient care and what standards are required to provide quality care in an acute hospital setting.

One would also have to understand the value of planning, implementing and evaluating work practices in order to get the best out of employees. The person coming into the job would need to be patient, able to negotiate and work under pressure, as well as work on their own initiative.

A good communicator
Well organised
A leader

Country & Western

The Jazz Singer

Untidy dressing or not being presentable in front of patients.

Leo.

I plan to complete a masters in Employee Relations. I have done a year already but have taken some time out due to family circumstances. Another thing I would love to do is to do a course in employment law.

Experience in front line management or to shadow someone working in the area of nursing support service manager.