Combining a career with the demands of motherhood can be challenging. But for mums who want to care for others while also earning a living, a role within the NHS presents some great options. The NHS offers flexibility, continued professional development, and the chance to make a difference while putting your natural caring talents to use.Below are a list of five great jobs within the NHS that are ideal for mums who care.
Healthcare Assistant
Healthcare assistants provide vital support to NHS nurses and other clinical staff. Duties range from assisting patients with daily activities like eating, dressing and washing, to monitoring and reporting on patient conditions. No formal qualifications are required, and on-the-job training is provided. With roles available in hospitals and community settings, the hours as a healthcare assistant can often align well with school schedules.
Midwife
For mums with older children, training as a midwife allows you to witness and support one of life’s most incredible moments – the birth of a new baby. Midwives empower mothers through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. With excellent training and opportunities for career progression, midwifery enables you to care for mothers and babies while learning highly skilled techniques and developing expertise.
NHS 111 Service Advisor
For those seeking an NHS career that can work flexibly around family, NHS 111 advisors play a key role. They are the first point of contact for people needing urgent medical help or advice. As an advisor you would assess symptoms and use computer decision support software to direct people to the medical care they need. The role requires excellent listening and communication skills. Options for NHS 111 work include home-based and onsite positions, with shifts available 24/7.
Paediatric Nurse
If you love caring for children, a career in paediatric nursing could be very fulfilling. As a children’s nurse, you would work on wards and clinics with young patients, liaising closely with families. Much of the role involves explaining tests and treatments in a child-friendly way and alleviating any worries or concerns. You’ll gain expertise in children’s health issues and experience the joy of seeing little ones get better under your care.
Health Visitor
Health visitors are nurses or midwives with specialist training who support new parents. They provide advice and information on baby and child health and development, including weaning, sleep, behaviour and safety. Health visitors also identify postnatal depression, child illnesses, or cases where a family may benefit from extra support. They often visit patient houses wearing PPE but they can also work in a GP surgery. Their crucial preventative work helps ensure babies and young children enjoy the best start in life.
Juggling a career in healthcare with the demands of motherhood can be challenging but also intensely rewarding. For mums who find satisfaction in caring for others, there are many ways to use your talents in an NHS role. Doing so gives you the chance to educate, empower, comfort and improve lives while setting an inspirational example for your own children.