“Never fear the unexpected and push your boundaries” – Billy’s journey with Sanctuary Care

Congratulations to Billy Pattison, who having graduated as a Registered Nursing Associate with us last year, has just completed his first week in his new role of deputy home manager.

Billy tells us about his incredible journey with Sanctuary Care and the support he’s had every step of the way. Joining our Fernihurst Nursing Home in Exmouth as a kitchen and domestic assistant in 2015, Billy admits he hadn’t expected to stay, but quickly realised care was his true calling. After working as a care assistant and team leader, he embraced the opportunity to embark on a Nursing Associate Apprenticeship.

Less than a year after completing this, he is now proud deputy manager at our Greenslades Nursing Home in Exeter.

“To have this opportunity, and the support and trust from senior management has been amazing. This is ground-breaking for me, and I am beyond proud,” he explains.

“My first week has been intense but at the same time fantastic and the team here have been so welcoming, it’s been really reassuring.”

Billy credits his apprenticeship, which was fully funded by Sanctuary Care and run in partnership with Plymouth University, with opening so many doors for his continual professional development. 

“As an organisation Sanctuary Care has fully supported me – they have funded everything, giving me the knowledge to do every role throughout my journey.

“When I was doing my apprenticeship the people I worked with were my supervisors, my assessors and role models, offering me the reassurance and support to continue to build my resilience.”

“I feel so excited about the paths that have opened up for me – it’s all about the opportunities and I’m building my knowledge all the time.”

And for anyone considering a future in care, Billy has some words of advice: “Expect the unexpected and never fear it – push your boundaries and embrace the unknown.”

For more about working for Sanctuary Care, please visit our recruitment pages. Or for information about our care homes in England and Scotland, our Enquiry Support Team are here to talk on 0800 331 7421.