I've just started my new role as a support worker this week, so have had induction and am doing two shifts with another member to see how it is out in the field. Next week I start going out on my own and I'm really anxious and scared. I'll be going into people's homes so I'll be a stranger to them and them to me, but I'll be doing personal work like showering, dressing, meal prep, shopping etc. Intimate and personal tasks for someone I don't know. I am scared of getting it wrong, or upsetting a client or having a bad experience with a client. This is a whole new career path for me and my anxiety is sky high. Any advice on how to get through the next few weeks as I find my feet?
5 Replies
We currently have 7 support workers that work with my son, we’ve probably had 30 + over the years.
We’ve only had 3 ‘fails’. We don’t expect you to get it correct 100% the first time. We do expect you to ask questions and ask what we need.
Each person will be different in what they need, so ask. I usually give our support workers a run down when they arrive. Otherwise we have a folder with my sons info in it. Many clients will be able to tell you what they need.
Just be a good listener and you’ll be great.
Of the fails 1, made poor taste jokes about my sons disability, 2, was allergic to cats and we had 3, kept wanting to talk to me all day, rather than work with my son.
Just be polite, ask what they need and you will be good!
If you don’t feel comfortable working alone after only 2 days supervised, could you ask for a few more days supervised?
It is aged care or disability?
Just so I know how to respond :)
I work in aged care, but have done disability so the supportive advice would be slightly different that I could offer you ❤️
Aged care ☺️
I'm a personal care worker in aged care.
I was so nervous about starting at my job, same fears as you. I was just honest with them, I'm new if I mess up I'm sorry please correct me and I will do better. They are people and have also been the newbie at a job before so they will understand. It worked great for me, sure I made some mistakes but my clients just let me know and I apologised and fixed my mistakes.
Also don't be afraid to ask if you don't know something, ask them how much assistance they would like in the shower, ask which body was/soap they prefer to use etc. This also gives them a say and I haven't found a person yet that gets mad if you ask their preferences so just ask if you are unsure. Apologise if you get it wrong.
You will be fine, it is normal to be nervous but you will get the hang of it in no time. We have all been there.