Dumitru’s Nursing Journey And The Story Of A School First Aid Group

The Orchard’s Home Manager, Dumitru Vazaru, was born in Romania and a childhood experience might just have sown a seed which later led him to a career in nursing.

From Role Playing to Nursing College

Schools across the country ran First Aiders groups for children where they learned some of the basics of first aid and then entered competitions. Dumitru recalled that whenever a demonstration was required, somehow, he was always selected to be the patient – thrown over, examined, then carried off on a stretcher!

A few years later, once he’d finished school, Dumitru applied to nursing college. He had considered a career in the army but decided to try a year of nursing to see whether it suited him and when it did, he went on to complete the three year qualifying course. Dumitru also undertook a series of placements where he gained experience in a wide range of clinical and administrative areas.

Invaluable Experience as a Phlebotomist Nurse

Dumitru’s first job after graduation was with a private clinic group where he worked as a phlebotomist nurse in the private sector, travelling to different practices in a local area. The role of phlebotomist involves safely drawing blood in a way that is most appropriate for each patient, correctly labelling and storing samples, following strict infection control and safety procedures and maintaining accurate records. Patient interaction was always vital, especially when explaining the procedures (and being able to execute them smoothly and professionally every time) and calming anxious patients. The role gave Dumitru an invaluable grounding in many aspects of patient care and he found the interaction rewarding, despite the role being a busy one. Between them, he and a colleague once drew blood from 204 patients in just three hours!

New Challenge Working in Romania’s National Health Service

Two years later, Dumitru joined the NHS in Romania working in Acute Care in a hospital. After a few months, he was asked to set up and run a brand new 9-bed Haematology ward as Head Nurse – a huge challenge as he was also responsible for sourcing equipment and beds, and recruiting then managing the staff. Patients admitted to the department had complex needs requiring treatment for illnesses and conditions such as leukaemia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, Hodgkinson’s disease and haemophilia, and the care often included delivering chemotherapy and giving blood transfusions. For Dumitru, this was a significant point in his career – a time where he learned to handle pressure and an intense workload whilst always putting patients’ needs first. He found the role simultaneously challenging, tiring, rewarding and enjoyable!

Move to the UK Brings Progress in the Care Sector

Dumitru moved to the UK in 2012 and his first position was as a nurse at a care home in Swansea. A year later, he moved to Surrey and after a while he joined the team at another Caring Homes home, for the first time as Clinical Lead. Here, he was promoted to Deputy Manager and in time, to Home Manager. Dumitru took over The Orchard Nursing Home as Home Manager in February 2025.

Claiming that “I have it in my veins”, Dumitru has found that nursing is his calling, which certainly pleased his grandfather and grandmother. They were both hospital ward nurses and were happy that at least one of the next generation followed in their footsteps! Looking back at his career, Dumitru understands that the experience he’s gained has shaped his ability to see the bigger picture – to balance both the clinical and management side of his role, always looking for solutions and most importantly, communicating.

The Challenges and the Joys of Care Home Management

Dumitru enjoys a challenging environment and relishes responsibility but alongside his dedication to the role and the goals he has for himself and the staff, he makes a point of sharing his vision with his team, explaining the reasons behind decisions and empowering them to do the best possible job. Always looking for ways to exceed residents and relatives’ expectations, Dumitru believes that finding out and remembering the small details is the key. His door is always open to staff, residents and relatives and he makes make time to listen, encouraging feedback, and involving everyone in how the home is run.

Supporting engagement between The Orchard and the local community is a priority for Dumitru and the home has recently gained accreditation from the Veteran Friendly Framework. Another initiative has seen the home plant ten apple trees as part of a community scheme set up by Thatchers cider and alongside hosting regular bridge club and ‘knit and natter’ groups, the team has also held their first Parkinson’s Awareness workshop.

Continuing to learn is important to Dumitru. After successfully completing a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social care, Caring Homes is also supporting him with his Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management, which teaches advanced leadership skills to those who would like to improve and progress into senior positions.

Sharing Hobbies with Residents at The Orchard

Despite the demands of a Home Manager’s role, Dumitru makes sure he finds time to switch off. Away from work, he loves a day outdoors with local metal detecting groups, although alongside a number of interesting old coins and military buttons, he admits to detecting a lot of rubbish! The Orchard’s Resident Ambassador, Dennis, was invited to try it out when Dumitru brought his metal detector into the care home one day. He secretly hid a few bits and pieces in the garden for encouragement but Dennis went solo and was suitably chuffed when he detected a genuine find – an old George Vth coin.

Dumitru also gets a lot of enjoyment from sea fishing and days spent on Chesil Beach, or with his young family on the beach at Southsea - the perfect open-air antidote to busy days at The Orchard. After all, even someone who thrives on managing a workplace where no two days are the same needs time to unwind!

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. At The Orchard, we’re proud to provide compassionate, person-centred care in a warm and friendly environment.