My Career Journey With The Orchard, by Sarah Omode, Care Home Assistant Practitioner

Healthcare has always been a part of my story and at The Orchard, I found purpose, potential and a place where I could truly grow.

Part Time Job Offers a Pathway to the Future

Before achieving a BSc in Microbiology in Nigeria, I had completed a three year auxiliary nursing programme in Nigeria. I was actively involved in patient care but also learned how to support people in their most vulnerable moments, an experience that deeply shaped my values and commitment to compassionate, practical care.

When I moved to the UK, stepping into the care sector felt like a natural continuation of that journey. I started at The Orchard Nursing Home, St Albans, in June 2021 as a part time Healthcare Assistant while I was studying for a master’s degree. I was just looking for a flexible job to support myself but at The Orchard, I found a supportive, friendly and professional environment with a strong focus on learning. This gave me the encouragement I needed to discover what I am capable of, and I have never looked back.

Care Home Practitioner Role A Turning Point

Four years on, I am a confident, hands on Care Home Assistant Practitioner (CHAP) at The Orchard – a role that bridges the gap between the care team and the nursing team and means I take on more clinical and leadership responsibilities than those traditionally associated with a carer. A key part of my role is also supporting and mentoring others. I help guide new staff, share knowledge, and act as a point of reassurance, helping to build confidence and consistency across the team.

Becoming a CHAP was a real turning point for me and gave me the confidence to apply to be a Learning Representative for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). The training period provided a structured pathway which covered everything from understanding workplace learning needs to supporting members effectively and promoting a positive learning culture in healthcare settings like ours.

Learning Representative Role about Creating a Culture

I was officially elected as a Learning Representative for the RCN in November 2024 – a voluntary role that gives structure to my interest in encouraging personal and professional development in the workplace. A key part of the role is making sure that everyone has the opportunity learn, grow and progress in their career, regardless of their job or background. Being a Learning Rep is not just about training, it is about creating a culture where people feel safe and motivated to grow. I am proud to represent that vision at The Orchard and plan to use everything I have learned so far to support my colleagues – from encouraging apprentices as they juggle the demands of work and study, to supporting staff who might need guidance around their learning goals.

An Opportunity to Give Back as Staff Wellbeing Champion

I’m honoured to have recently been chosen as Staff Wellbeing Champion at The Orchard - a new and exciting role for the home. The focus of the role is to help create a healthy, supportive, and positive working environment where staff feel seen, valued, and encouraged to thrive – all things that I wholeheartedly believe in. I’ll be actively listening to colleagues and hope that they can talk to me if the pressures of work or life begin to feel overwhelming.

I believe that wellbeing can also come from feeling competent, capable, and heard at work, and I’ll bring my passion for learning and development to the Staff Wellbeing Champion role. I want to help our team members to feel proud of their contribution and when staff feel well supported, it naturally leads to even better care for our residents.

Long Term Ambition Supported by Caring Homes

My long term ambition is to become a Registered Home Manager, a role that combines my passion for leadership, person centred care, and developing others. Over the years, I have taken steps to prepare for this path, gaining NVQ Level 3, 4, and 5 qualifications and an MSc in Management. I’ll be starting my Registered Nursing Associate programme with the University of Hertfordshire in September. This qualification will not only grant me Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration but will also give me the clinical qualifications essential for advancing into a full clinical leadership role.

I am incredibly grateful to Caring Homes for their continued support and belief in my growth and for making my journey possible. Their encouragement and commitment to developing their teams has made a real difference to my journey and it means a lot to work for an organisation that doesn’t just talk about development but actively creates opportunities for it.

In my roles as a CHAP, Learning Rep and now as Staff Wellbeing Champion, I have the opportunity to give back - not just to the residents whose person-centred care is my main focus, but to my colleagues as well. The Orchard has truly been the foundation of my career journey and I am looking forward to beginning this new chapter.

Welcome to The Orchard Nursing Home in St Albans

Welcome to The Orchard Nursing Care Home in St Albans, Hertfordshire, where we offer high-quality residential, nursing and dementia care in a calm and welcoming setting. Nestled in a peaceful residential area, our purpose-built care home features bright and modern interiors, beautifully landscaped gardens and a range of thoughtfully designed spaces for comfort and relaxation.

From cosy lounges and a hair salon to rooms with private terrace access, every detail is designed with our residents’ wellbeing in mind. Our dedicated care team is here around the clock to support residents with their everyday needs, helping them live comfortably, safely and with dignity. At The Orchard, we’re proud to provide compassionate, person-centred care in a warm and friendly environment.