A dedicated nurse who supports young people with complex mental illness, autism and learning disabilities is in the running for a social care Oscar”.
Jazmin Dicker, a registered mental health nurse who oversees the care and support of seven young adults referred to Crwban Care and Support at Trefforest near Pontypridd, says her job is “immensely rewarding”.
She has been shortlisted in the Independent Sector Nurse of the Year category at this year’s Wales Care Awards, which is sponsored by Ontex Healthcare, the leading international personal hygiene group.
The awards – dubbed the Oscars of social care – are organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise outstanding work in the care sector. Jazmin will find out if she has won the award at a glittering ceremony hosted by television presenter Jason Mohammed at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel on October 18.
She said: “I’m really chuffed to have been shortlisted for this award. It is recognition for all the hard work we’ve put in and reflects our aim to provide the best care possible. The award will help us build trust with those who refer people to Crwban Care and Support and the wider community.”
Jazmin has worked in a variety of different mental health settings including a crisis team and has experience of care co-ordinating patients with complex mental health needs, managing risk and giving the appropriate amount of support required to keep people well whilst maintaining their independence.
She has also undertaken several courses and training in order to develop her therapeutic skills and is committed to delivering top tier patient centred care to all of our residents, so is always looking for ways to develop her practice.
Jazmin said her nursing career has been both challenging and rewarding.
“When one of our service users moved in, he was withdrawn and underweight. Now he is eating properly and taking care of himself. He volunteers locally and is going to college and thriving. Seeing how he has turned things around is immensely rewarding”
Sian Perez, Director and Registered Manager at Crwban Care and Support, said another important aspect of her work is team work.
“Nurses work very closely with other healthcare professionals and with Jazmin’s vast experience of working with other professionals in the field as a nurse in the NHS.
“Jazmin has bought those skills and knowledge with her when setting up her Supported Living Accommodation and works seamlessly with other professionals and collaborating with others.
“When starting Crwban Care and Support she felt that there was not a recovery model that simplifies the journey towards independence in a way which could be used co-productively with service users in order to evaluate individuals current state and progress easily.
“Jazmin took it upon herself to create Crwbans personal Recovery Wave and it has been very well used with great feedback from both service users and other health professionals.
Despite a busy workload Jazmin said it is essential for nurses to stay informed about new processes, technologies, treatments and approaches as care evolves and develops.
“I have undertaken extra Positive Behaviour Management and De-escalation training to be able to feel more comfortable in any situation I may be in and any questions I may be asked from support workers.
“Supporting others to promote equality and secure the rights of individuals is also crucial. As a role model to colleagues I promote person centred ways of working and promote the respect, dignity, and wellbeing of individuals,” she said.
Sian Perez added: “We receive regular positive feedback about her practice. The feedback highlights her warm nature and approachability whilst
also noting her ability to manage complex and challenging situations whilst remaining calm.
“Jazmin treats all of the residents at Crwban as unique individuals and the care that they receive reflects this.
“She ensures that every resident’s care plan highlights their strengths whilst also addressing the areas that require a little more support. “Every care plan is totally unique to the patient and ensures that all of our support workers are able to deliver person-centred effective care which focuses on giving our residents back their independence.
“Jazmin always goes above and beyond for all of our service users and staff, and this is reflected in the progress that they make and the relationship they she has with them all.”
Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “Our aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines on the front line of social across Wales.
“The care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job it’s a vocation – these are the people who really do have the X Factor.
“If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.
“We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce – they deserve to be lauded and applauded.
“It is a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement.”
