Working as a healthcare assistant during a pandemic

Hi my name is Kyla and I’m an adult and paediatric Healthcare Assistant in the South West of England and an aspiring Medical student.

I became a health care assistant in August. Trying to juggle sixth form and work has been a little bit stressful and with the pandemic in the mix ... it’s been hard. However, I couldn’t be happier. I’ve known for years that I want to be a doctor but when I think about it I never really understood the tole of a doctor.

I’ve watched my mum work as a healthcare assistant for years and she loved it so when I saw there was a bank post going I jumped at the opportunity. I have learnt so much being a HCA! I’ve learnt that healthcare is not just about medicine as a lot of the time patients just want someone to talk to. I’ve learnt a lot clinically - chatting with junior doctors and being part of the team managing medical emergencies has just heightened my enthusiasm for wanting to become a doctor.

But I have also learnt other things that I believe will make me a better doctor. I have learnt to be honest and not to judge others. I’ve learnt that trust is essential when looking after patients. I’ve learnt to the meaning of empathy and how I can be there for patients going through really difficult times.

I will never forget one shift I had a patient with severe COPD and her NEWS (national early warning score) had increased from a 2 to a 9. I was there first and had to assist with observations whilst the doctors were called to complete a full assessment. At the time, although it felt such a small role, I know I contributed to saving a patient’s life. It was just amazing for me to see how so many healthcare professionals can come together to save this one patient’s life!

I believe my experience as a healthcare assistant has made me so much more knowledgeable but also so excited to be a doctor ... I can’t wait! So whatever route you take into medicine you will get there! I’m just at the start of my journey but I would really recommend for aspiring medical students to work as a HCA! So although it feels scary, you can do it!