Nicola Irvine

Having enjoyed varied roles across the care and consumer sector, over recent years I took a conscious decision to prioritise my young family. Having relocated to Derbyshire in 2020 I'm now excited by the prospect of using my skills in a new work setting. The common feature across all of my prior roles has been care; which I'd describe as my core skill, and what gives me greatest satisfaction from work.

In a number of my roles, ensuring the right level of care (and safeguarding) has been a vital part of the service being delivered. I'm confident that my prior experience of these topics and associated issues put me in a great position to succeed in the education setting.

Health care assistant - Westongrove Partnership (on behalf NHS)

(2019-04 - 2019-07)

I worked independently managing a diary of my own patient appointments in a busy GP surgery. I worked directly with patients to conduct blood tests, healthcare checks and other follow up appointments. My role worked alongside a team of Doctors, Nurses and administrative support staff to deliver comprehensive GP patient care. I left this role due to our family relocating from Buckinghamshire to Derbyshire.

Health care assistant - Buckinghamshire NHS

(2016-09 - 2019-04)

My duties include assisting Doctors and Nurses in clinic, maintaining stock levels and ordering equipment. Seeing a variety of patients from the age of 13 who require blood tests, sexual health tests and information about other services in our area. I use a confidential database to record patient data and complete forms for tests carried out. I take part in regular meetings with outside agencies such as safeguarding and charities.

Receptionist - Whitehill GP Surgery, Aylesbury

(2016-01 - 2016-09)

I worked in a very busy GP surgery dealing with a large database of patients and their confidential records. Welcoming patients at reception, booking appointments and dealing with their requests was the main part of my role. I used a computer system on a daily basis to enter confidential information, receive tasks from Doctors and sign post letters and results to the appropriate member of our team.

Sales Advisor - House of Fraser Aylesbury

(2012-10 - 2014-08)

I enjoyed a part-time role working in a variety of areas within this busy department store, including working for one of the concession brands (Coast) and fulfilling duties for the 'Buy and Collect' service.

Deputy Matron / Matron / Nurse - Presentation Sisters Care Centre, Matlock

(2010-04 - 2012-05)

Presentation Sisters is a registered charity and care centre. Having joined the home as a Deputy Matron, I was quickly promoted to Matron. In this post I implemented initiatives such as the Derbyshire End of Life Care Strategy and maintained the homes 3 Star standard with the Care Quality Commission.

Whilst I enjoyed the challenge of role, I voluntarily stepped down to become a Nurse again, as I consider providing first hand care to the residents and making a difference to their day one of the key rewards to my work, and wished to return to a more 'hands on' role.

• Providing clinical expertise within my role as a nurse, and liaising with medical staff within the community (such as Community Matron and local Doctors) relating to residents health concerns or general condition
• Mentoring and instructing care staff to ensure they are able to deliver the right level of care to residents
• Developing relationships between the residents and the care team to ensure that all residents needs are fully understood and met
• Additional duties including fundraising and event organisation for summer fair and other residents activities
• Managing care staff development plans and training schedules

Deputy Manager - Valley Lodge Care Centre, Matlock

(2009-06 - 2010-04)

Valley Lodge Care Centre has 64 of beds, including nursing residents and a dedicated dementia unit. In my role as deputy manager I provided the senior lead for in-house nursing decisions, and was the point of escalation for external support. I played a significant role in developing the occupancy levels of the home, as well as being responsible for recruitment of care centre staff, as well as creating and managing the rota.

Care Assistant / Nurse - Burton Closes Care Centre, Bakewell

(2007-06 - 2009-06)

I joined Burton Closes in a role which was split 50/50 between care assistant and nurse. In this role, which was my first full time role in a care environment, I was able to learn from senior nurses, developing my own knowledge, as well as getting first hand experience of the tasks required of a care assistant.

Waitress / Sales Assistant - Bakewell Pudding Shop, Bakewell

(2006-06 - 2007-06)

Working as the first point of contact for customers in a busy and regionally renowned restaurant and bakery, my main responsibilities included customer service and cash management. In addition, I also prepared trade orders, conducted shop tours with customers and replenished stock and undertook housekeeping duties.

GCSE Level - Meadows Community School, Old Whittington

AS Level - Law - Chesterfield College, Chesterfield

A2 Level - Sociology - Chesterfield College, Chesterfield

A2 Level - English Language - Chesterfield College, Chesterfield