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A Career in Care: Megan’s Journey from Care Assistant to Aspiring Nurse
At Ashberry Healthcare, we’re proud to see so many of our colleagues grow their careers with us. For Megan Williams, who first joined Broomy Hill Nursing Home as a Care Assistant at just 18 years old, her journey is a testament to how passion, hard work, and support can lead to exciting new opportunities.
Finding her passion
Megan’s drive to work in care began long before Ashberry. When her grandad became unwell, she helped support him, which gave her an early glimpse into how meaningful compassionate care could be.
“When I started Ashberry, that’s when I really got to understand the different types of care individuals needed, and it opened my eyes to what the care industry is like. I was very young when I first started, but I soon understood the importance of professionalism and working as a team to provide the best care to our residents,” she reflects.
Growth at Ashberry
In just a few years, Megan worked her way up to Team Leader and completed her CHAPs training- milestones that gave her a huge sense of pride and laid the foundation for her next step.
“Both roles meant a huge amount to me professionally. They’ve helped me work towards my goal of nursing and gave me the confidence to keep pushing myself,” she says.
Inspired to become a nurse
Encouraged by senior colleagues, Megan decided to pursue a nursing degree at university. She credits nurses at Broomy Hill, like Nandi Moyo and Janet Cooper, for sparking her ambition:
“They taught me so much and gave me an insight into nursing that made me want to learn more. Ashberry were wonderful too- I wouldn’t have been able to do my project on the Audible Photo Albums without Shaun and Claire’s support. I’ll always be grateful that Ashberry kept the door open for me to work bank shifts while I study.”
Studying and learning
Megan is now thriving at university, gaining experience across A&E, community nursing, and St Michael’s Hospice. While balancing study and work has been challenging, she values the independence and new skills it brings.
“One of my main things is I love learning- both independently and from others. Everyone I’ve met during my course and at Ashberry has something for me to learn from.” She also highlights how her time at Broomy Hill has given her an advantage: “Because of our advanced dementia residents, I’ve built strong communication skills that have really helped me during placements. Leadership skills from Ashberry have also been invaluable.”
The Ashberry culture
When asked what she values most about Ashberry, Megan is quick to highlight the supportive culture:
“One thing I value the most is how approachable everyone is. The culture at Ashberry is open and welcoming to improvement ideas, from care staff all the way through to management. The Ashberry core values are something I feel everyone in the care industry should carry.”
Making a difference
For Megan, the most rewarding part of care will always be the difference she can make to residents and their families.
“There is always something we can do to improve someone’s experience while they’re receiving care. I love being able to make a positive difference for families too, supporting them during what is often a difficult time.”
One of her proudest memories was when residents Joy and John attended her graduation ceremony: “Having residents there on such a special day meant the world and encouraged me to keep going on my nursing journey.”
Looking ahead
Megan’s journey is only just beginning, but she already has her sights set on the future:
“My career path is just at the beginning, but I’d love to work my way up to a management position by the age of 30- and to achieve this within Ashberry would be something very special.”
Her advice to anyone starting out in care is simple but powerful: “Be brave, be resilient, and be kind. It takes a special kind of individual to work in care, but if you want to make a difference, the care industry is the place to do it.”
At Ashberry Healthcare, we’re passionate about developing people and creating genuine career pathways. Many of our Home and Deputy Managers began their journey as Care Assistants, growing through supported training, mentorship, and hands-on experience- just like Megan.
Her story is a shining example of what’s possible in a career in care: starting with compassion, growing with confidence, and building a future that changes lives.
If you’re inspired by Megan’s story and would like to begin your own rewarding career in care, we’d love to hear from you. Explore our current opportunities on our Careers Page and join our friendly Ashberry team.
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