Samuel Adarkwah has been working for TFS Healthcare for almost 4 years and works as a Band 5 RGN on several of our Managed Service Wards. We spoke to Samuel to find out why he joined the profession and what advice he would give to someone who is thinking of becoming an agency nurse.
How long have you been a nurse?
Since 2015. It’s all I ever wanted to do.
What have you been doing since you started working for TFS Healthcare?
Mainly working on the Managed Service Wards. I have worked in QEQM Margate, Tonbridge Wells, Salisbury and I am currently in Kent Community Hospital working on the Managed Service. I love the variety of the job!
What shifts do you do?
Mainly long days and I cover nights for any urgent work related to Covid-19 patients.
What made you want to get into nursing?
I always knew I wanted to be a nurse but the opportunity to learn the profession in Africa was difficult. I travelled around Europe looking for opportunities; however, as I came to the UK it all fell into place. I went to university and studied hard and became a Nurse and I was a HCA while studying. The desire was there. As I said, it is all I have wanted to ever do.
Give me an example of a typical day?
I start at 7 am and finish at 8 pm. I do mostly acute work. Depending on which ward you are working will depend on what you do. I assess the physical and mental needs of my patients as well as medical; I refer to it as holistic assessment. I always put my patients first. I give them their medication, make sure they are as comfortable as they can be, talk to them to see how they are. Some of the patients open up and some of them don’t want to talk. You have to respect each patient’s wishes.
How has Covid-19 affected your work?
It has not affected my work. I am a positive thinker. In this profession and in life it will serve you better if you are positive. As an agency nurse my job is to care for the patients and their needs. You are here to do the job, you put your life on the line at times, Covid-19 is an example of that. We have to care for our patients no matter what.
What are the high and low points of your job?
The high points are that I go home each night and feel that I have helped each patient. I have done my job well. I definitely have job satisfaction because I am doing what I love. It is a high priority for me to be in touch with my patient’s needs and to understand as much as I can about them.
The low points are when I can see a patient going downhill and there is nothing I can do about it. We do our best but it is difficult when the situation is out of your hands and you can see your patient is deteriorating before your eyes.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of joining the profession, especially since the Covid-19 outbreak?
Ask the person are you ready? Do you really want to be a nurse? If it is for money then you should really do something else. It’s all about fulfilment. Don’t let anything terrify you, be a positive thinker, be a very good team player as nobody feels the pressure when working as a team – and plan your time well. I love it when I am going home and I reflect on my patients and I know that I have got everything done. It is a very satisfying feeling. Of course, there is always room for improvement. You learn, take everything on board and move on.
What made you join TFS Healthcare?
Prior to working for TFS Healthcare as an agency nurse, I was a permanent member of staff for the NHS. Although I loved my job, I wanted the freedom to travel and I was tied to a set number of holidays each year and it was difficult for me to see my family in Ghana.
A friend recommended TFS Healthcare to me and I have never looked back. I have been working with them for the last 2 years. They communicate regularly with me. They are flexible. I can book my work in advance so I always know where I am going to be and can plan. Prior to the end of each contract, they will call me to discuss my next role. They stay in regular contact and they are always at the end of a phone. They really are like my family, I love working for them.
What do you do to relax?
I go shopping, I love sitting on the beach in Margate but most of all I love spending time with my children, I enjoy that very much.
If you would like to speak with one of our team about becoming an Agency Nurse then get in touch today on 020 7407 1122 or register with us.