A Dedicated Career in Care: Steph’s Story

Inspired by her mum who worked as a nurse, Steph began her career in care at just 18 years old. Her journey to becoming a nurse has been shaped by determination, resilience, and a genuine passion for helping others live well, all while showing her daughter that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

Now, as Home Manager at Alexandra Mill, Steph leads a team committed to delivering the highest quality of life for residents, while creating a positive, supportive environment where colleagues enjoy coming to work and residents truly feel at home.

We sat down with Steph to talk about her career journey, what continues to inspire her, and why care is a profession that makes a real difference every day.

You’ve had such a dedicated career in care, what first inspired you to start?

My mum was a nurse, and I’d always aspired to be like her. I went into care when I was 18, and quite early on I knew I wanted to become a nurse.

I went to college to study Health and Social Care and from there, I progressed onto an access course and eventually got into university to study nursing.

I started my nursing degree in 2013 and qualified in 2016. It wasn’t the easiest journey, but I always knew what I wanted to achieve.

Your career has taken you into different areas of healthcare, what stood out to you most?

I’ve worked in a range of settings, including mental health services and even nursing within police custody, as well as organisations like Leonard Cheshire.

I always found myself drawn back to elderly care and dementia. There’s just something about it, I love being able to build relationships, understand people as individuals, and help them continue to enjoy life. That’s where my passion really is.

What is it about dementia care that you find so rewarding?

For me, it’s about helping people live a fulfilled life. I love being able to build a rapport with residents, understand their needs, and make sure they still get enjoyment out of life. It’s about having fun together, creating moments, and making sure people feel happy and supported every day. Even the smallest things can make the biggest difference.

You’ve achieved so much in your career already, what are some highlights?

I joined as a Deputy Manager with a plan to step into the Home Manager role, and I progressed into that position within about eight months.

Now, my focus is on continuing to build a strong, supportive team and making sure we’re always providing the best possible care for our residents.

I’ve been really proud to win awards like Rising Star and Care Team of the Year, and I’ve completed my Six Steps accreditation in end-of-life care.

But for me, the biggest achievements are always about the residents and the team, knowing that I’ve made a difference to people’s lives and supported my team to grow.

Can you share a moment that really captures what care means to you?

We have something called a “wish tree” where we try to make residents’ wishes come true, and those moments are really special.

We had one resident who used to be part of a women’s archery team, so we brought archery into the home so she could experience that again.

Another resident who was receiving chemotherapy wanted a tattoo, but that wasn’t possible, so we arranged for henna tattoos instead. She’d also lost her hair, so the whole team wore wigs for the day to lift her spirits.

It’s things like that, making people feel happy, supported, and showing them that they can still achieve things, no matter what they’re going through.

What makes Alexandra Mill such a special place to work and live?

It really feels like a family here. Everyone goes above and beyond for the residents, and we all work together. We have relatives who come back to volunteer because they’ve had such a positive experience, and residents genuinely enjoy living here.

We’re always doing things together, whether that’s trips out to places like Blackpool or just creating fun moments day to day. Everything we do is about giving residents the best possible quality of life.

You’ve balanced your career with becoming a parent at a young age, what advice would you give to others?

I found out that I was pregnant with my daughter at 17, so it hasn’t always been easy. There were long hours, financial challenges, and a lot of juggling, especially while doing my nurse training. But it’s not out of reach.

If you really want something, you can achieve it. I always wanted to show my daughter that, to be a good role model and prove that anything is possible.

How do you support your team with their own career development?

I’m really passionate about helping people grow. I always try to guide team members and show them what their next steps could be. If someone wants to progress, I’ll support them, whether that’s gaining qualifications or trying new responsibilities.

I want people to feel like they can achieve more and build a long-term career in care.

What qualities do you think someone needs to work in care?

You have to be compassionate, patient, and a good listener. A lot of care is about communication and understanding that something small to you might be really important to someone else.

Most importantly, you need to genuinely care. It’s not something you can do just for financial reasons, it has to come from the heart.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I always lead with positivity. If you’re negative, your team will feel that too. I make sure we have a positive, supportive environment where people can enjoy their work.

We work hard, but it’s also important to have fun, have a laugh, and create a happy atmosphere for both the team and the residents.

I always make sure my team feel supported, and if mistakes happen, we learn from them together.

Thinking About a Career in Care?

If you’re looking for a role where everyday you are making an impact, career growth and where you’re part of a supportive community, a career in care could be just for you. Check out the roles available across Anavo via: Care Home Jobs | Careers with Anavo