Heleana Whooley

During my internship as a final-year nursing student, I completed clinical placements on a stroke rehabilitation ward, a general surgical ward, and a medical ward, where I delivered safe, person-centered care under the supervision of registered nurses. Across these diverse settings, I participated in care planning, assisted with medication administration and clinical procedures, and contributed to patient assessments and documentation in line with NMBI standards. I developed strong communication skills through daily interaction with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams, adhered strictly to hospital policies and infection control protocols, and engaged in reflective practice to support my ongoing professional development. These experiences enhanced my confidence, clinical judgment, and ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments.

As a Health Care Assistant in an intellectual disability residential setting, I provided compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with varying levels of ability, promoting independence and enhancing quality of life in a home-like environment. My responsibilities included assisting with personal care, mobility, mealtime support, and daily living activities, while ensuring residents’ dignity, privacy, and choices were respected at all times. I actively participated in implementing individual care plans, supported therapeutic and recreational activities, and maintained accurate documentation in line with HIQA standards. Working closely with nurses, social care staff, and families, I contributed to a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment that supported each resident’s physical, emotional, and social well-being.

As a Health Care Assistant on a busy medical ward, I was responsible for delivering compassionate, person-centered care to patients with a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. Under the supervision of registered nurses, I assisted patients with personal care tasks such as washing, dressing, toileting, and mobility support, always ensuring dignity, respect, and independence were maintained. I helped with nutritional needs by preparing and assisting with meals, monitoring fluid intake, and encouraging adequate nutrition. I regularly took and recorded vital signs, observed patients for any changes in condition, and promptly reported concerns to nursing staff. I maintained a clean, safe environment in line with infection control protocols, supported manual handling procedures, and contributed to maintaining accurate care documentation.

As a Shop Assistant, I was responsible for providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced retail environment, ensuring a positive shopping experience for all customers. My duties included greeting and assisting customers, answering queries about products and promotions, operating the till, handling cash and card transactions accurately, and maintaining a clean, organized sales floor. I regularly restocked shelves, checked for product expiry dates, and assisted with inventory counts. I worked both independently and as part of a team to meet sales targets, manage queues efficiently, and uphold health and safety standards. My role required strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a friendly, approachable attitude to build customer loyalty and support the overall success of the store.