Oncology family support worker - Olivia Brady

How did you get your job?

I went to university with the dream of completing a PGCE after graduating and becoming a teacher as soon as I could - until I had a post-university panic and suddenly felt like I wasn't doing the right thing. As I was so unsure, I declined my PGCE offer and decided to take a job as teaching assistant in a primary school to get as much experience as I could, with the hope that everything would make sense. I soon realised that teaching was not the career I wanted to pursue.

My role in the school shifted and I began a pastoral support role. This is where I found my passion for supporting children and families through challenging times in their lives. I then began exploring job opportunities and found my job at the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.

How is your degree relevant?

My BA Hons Early Childhood Studies at the University of Plymouth gave me a range of transferable skills and knowledge that support me in my role as an oncology family support worker. While all the core and optional modules I selected were different they all play a part in my current role in some way. I particularly enjoyed the modules on:

• children in society
• developing communication in the early years
• enabling environments for young children's learning.

These modules were eye opening and remain relevant to my current role.

What's a typical working day like?

I spend most of my week in the community. I visit children in hospital while they receive treatment and we often play games or do some crafts. I also visit siblings in school to deliver emotional support sessions or visit the whole family at home in between treatment blocks or post treatment.

I also spend time in the office where I plan emotional support visits and catch up and liaise with other professionals such as:

• doctors
• health play specialists
• nurses
• play teams
• psychologists
• teachers.

While in the office I spend time packing our diagnosis bags, which are delivered to families in hospital. When the holiday seasons roll around, I also get to contribute to the planning of Easter, Halloween, summer and Christmas parties for all the children and families we support.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I thoroughly enjoying working with children and their families, being there for them through one of the most difficult times of their lives. It is a privilege to spend time with them and build beautiful relationships with all members of the family, supporting them in a variety of ways.

It's amazing to see the impact my work can have and how appreciative families are to have support when they need it most.

What are the challenges?

My role can be emotionally challenging, and I often remind myself to take some time to unwind and do something for myself. It can also be a challenge to juggle a large caseload of families, but it's also a blessing to be able to work with and support families through their childhood cancer journey.

Where do you hope to be in five years?

I would love to still be supporting children and families through their medical or oncology journeys and begin exploring a career in health play specialism or play therapy.

What advice can you give to others?

• Throw yourself into all of the modules with an open mind. Your early childhood studies degree can take you down avenues you never expected.
• Engage in reading and connect with your peers and other professionals. It's great to make connections and gather as much knowledge and as many perspectives as possible.
• Make the most of LinkedIn as it's an amazing platform to make connections and promote your studies. I have connected with so many professionals in the healthcare sector, leading to some great opportunities to collaborate.

Find out more

• Discover what else you can do with an early childhood studies degree.
• Take a look at the healthcare sector.