Nursing Opportunities

Case Study

Ruth Bishop
Clinical Assessment Specialist

Ruth qualified as a Registered Nurse (DipHE) in 1995, working in both medical and surgical fields, before gaining five years’ experience in critical care, obtaining a Diploma in critical care studies.

In 2004, she was looking for a change and moved to Complete Group as a Nurse Team Leader, caring for a client with a high level spinal cord injury who was ventilator dependent in his own home. Ruth trained and managed a team of personal assistants.

Within a year, the company had grown its presence in the south of England and Ruth found herself managing a case load of complex care clients as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, including clients with high-level spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and acquired brain injuries.

The company continued to grow its client base, and as further nurses were taken on in the area, Ruth became Clinical Nurse Manager for the south.

In January, Ruth was promoted to Clinical Assessment Specialist, working closely with Complete Group clinical director Sheila Bowden. She visits hospitals and homes to assess clients’ care needs and recommend suitable packages of care, drawing on her experience within the company.

She is now more involved in the management side of the business, including following up all new referrals, attending conferences and seminars to promote Complete’s services to new customers and completing appropriate tenders, as well as negotiating contracts and agreeing the cost of care packages with the purchaser.

She said: “On leaving the NHS, I initially felt hesitant about joining the private sector, but I have never looked back. The company supports nurses with ongoing professional development and career progression, the roles have a great deal of autonomy, where you manage your own diary or case load of clients and there are lots of teaching opportunities, both formally at the office or more informally at people’s homes.

“We provide holistic care and support independent living as much as the client is able, and personally I also believe the company cares about 'the Carers' and have also supported me with any issues that may impact on my work, such as childcare. It also means no more shift work, which is a definite bonus!”