- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- sensitivity and understanding
- customer service skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to work on your own
- excellent verbal communication skills
- business management skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
In your day-to-day duties you could:
- supervise a team of care assistants
- write care plans
- monitor patients' vital signs, like blood pressure and heart rate
- complete patient medication records
- develop and lead activities for service users
- keep families up to date about their relative's progress
- train and mentor new staff
- attend team meetings with service managers
- provide emergency cover
You could work at a client's home, in an NHS or private hospital or at an adult care home.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
With experience and training you could specialise in particular areas like dementia care, stroke management or in supporting people with learning disabilities.
You could also progress to become an assistant practitioner, deputy service manager or care home manager.
You can find out more about careers in care from Think Care Careers.
