Why I’m a reservist
Becky’s story
Nurse Becky Haslam usually works “bank” shifts at the Walton Hospital in Chesterfield, run by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust.
Staff there support people who have a diagnosis of moderate to severe dementia, including patients with undiagnosed dementia and other illnesses, physical diseases or conditions.
Becky found that working additional shifts as a reservist at a Derby City Council-run care home and as a vaccinator in Ashbourne fitted in with her other commitments.
Becky said:
“It suits my work and personal life…
I run a business at home with my husband and we have two young children, so having shift work that fits around our other work is really helpful.
“I use an app, in the same way that I do with my bank shifts, see what’s available and then put myself down for the shifts I want to do.
“As a nurse I’m used to going into nursing homes, residential homes and people’s own homes where someone with dementia is often being cared for by a relative.
“I’ve done shifts as a reservist in a ‘step down’ home where people go when they are well enough to leave hospital, but not well enough to go back to their own home.
“It’s been really interesting working alongside social care staff as a nurse.
“I have the clinical skills to support the residents with their mental and physical health needs, while the social care staff meet their other needs.
“We both learn from each other and we work together as one team.”
