If you work in health and social care, it’s really important to learn new skills, keep certificates up to date and develop your career.
In a recent survey, staff working in care organisations that made learning a priority were far less likely to leave their roles. In fact, more than 9 in 10 respondents said that investing in staff learning and development was the number one reason their teams stayed intact.
What does this mean? The short answer: people who continue learning and practising their skills are often happier in their roles than people who aren’t encouraged to develop.
With that in mind, here are five of the best reasons to expand your skill set this year.
1. To provide better care
As a care professional, you want to provide the best care possible – it’s the reason you get up in the morning, right? The more highly skilled you are, the better care you can give the people you support. For example, learning strong communication skills can help you better understand and respond to your clients’ needs.
2. To stay up to date
The health and social care sector constantly evolves, so it’s important to stay informed about new developments. Staying up to date with the latest approaches to care can help you do an even better job every day, make you feel more confident in your role and make you a better mentor to others. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Learner tip – Stay on top of your training with Florence Academy, which has 70+ free health and social care courses (including First Aid and Basic Life Support) you can take at your own pace, at home or on the go.
3. To increase your job satisfaction
Feeling good about yourself and confident in your skills can increase your job satisfaction. Being competent in your role can also mean greater job security – plus it can open up new career and advancement opportunities. You could progress from a healthcare assistant to a nurse, for example, or go into care home management.
4. To boost professional opportunities
Being highly skilled can help you create and keep a professional image (and a great reputation) in the health and social care sector. If you’re competent and friendly, the people around you – including your work colleagues, clients and employer – are naturally more likely to want to work with you in future. This leads to all sorts of new opportunities, from being offered extra shifts, to hearing about new jobs first.
5. To feel proud of yourself
Remember how you felt the last time you qualified for a certificate? Learning doesn’t just open career doors – it raises self-esteem. Improving your performance at work can boost your confidence and heighten your sense of accomplishment, which can benefit your overall well being.
Never stop learning
Learning something new can feel like a big deal. When you’re busy with work and your personal life, finding the time and energy to train can be a challenge.
But continuing to develop your skills is important for both personal and professional reasons, and can help you care for people in the best possible way.
Ready to expand your skill set? Head over to Florence Academy and start learning today.
Florence can help you find flexible shifts near you, take essential training courses and improve your work-life balance. Find out more and sign up today.
You might also be interested in:
- Why words matter when you’re providing care
- How to get financial assistance if you work in care
- 15 reasons care is the best career
