ANN IHIM

With over seven years of professional experience spanning across various sectors including healthcare, education, administration, finance and customer service, I am deeply compassionate and dedicated to my craft. I am passionate about providing high-quality personalized care and support that enhances client well-being and fosters independence. My career has been marked by a commitment to delivering compassionate care, particularly in challenging environments, where I’ve supported individuals with complex needs. I have honed special skills in personal care, medication administration, adherence to hygiene regulations, emotional support, and excellent communication skills. I excel in building non-judgmental, healthy relationships with clients, and I am adept at working in demanding environments, ensuring that each individual feels supported and valued. Additionally, I am a dynamic team player with a strong commitment to preserving client dignity and confidentiality. My experience is complemented by strong problem-solving and crisis management abilities and a commitment to positively impact the lives of others.

My career has been driven by a deep commitment to improving the lives of those under my care. Through diverse professional roles, I have developed a comprehensive skill set that allows me to excel in demanding environments, where empathy, resilience, and problem-solving abilities are crucial. Currently, I work as a Health Care Worker at Quantum Care Limited (Willow Court) where I am responsible for attending to the physical and personal needs of residents, which includes tasks such as bathing, toileting, feeding, and dressing. My role requires meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the administration of medication. My responsibilities extend beyond direct care, encompassing housekeeping duties, meal preparation, and assisting in feeding, all conducted in accordance with Hygiene Regulations. I am also actively involved in identifying and meeting the social, emotional, and cultural needs of residents, which includes organizing social and recreational activities. My role demands a high level of organizational skills, as I participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and development activities, ensuring compliance with all procedures related to residents' health and welfare. Prior to my current role, I worked as a Health Care Assistant at St Mary’s Hospital where I was tasked with the responsibility for vital sign and BMI checks and monitoring health conditions, patient hygiene as well as personal care. My work required close collaboration with clinical staff to report health fluctuations and ensure that patient needs were met. I also provided essential mobility and feeding support, contributing to the overall well-being and comfort of the patients.

In addition to my healthcare roles, I have valuable experience in education, having served as the Head of the Biology Department at Doyen Academy, School of Preliminary Studies, in Enugu State. My role involved not only teaching but also managing the biology laboratory, ensuring that students had access to the necessary resources for their studies. I was also responsible for overseeing other teachers in the department, setting examination questions, and ensuring that teaching and learning materials were adequately provided. Before transitioning fully into healthcare, I gained administrative experience as a Credit Files and Documentation Management Officer at Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. In this role, I managed security documents for Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), commercial, and corporate clients, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal requirements. My duties included sorting, arranging, and filing documents for easy retrieval, as well as maintaining a database of security documents. This position required a high level of organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure to meet the bank’s compliance and support functions.

My dexterity in the use of computer allows me to maintain accurate records and manage documentation efficiently. My strong interpersonal and communication skills enable me to build non-judgmental, supportive relationships with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders. Additionally, I am diplomatic and tactful in dealing with people from diverse backgrounds, which is essential in multicultural environments. My ability to work independently, coupled with my organizational, teamwork, and multitasking skills, ensures that I can manage multiple responsibilities effectively. I am self-motivated, a self-starter, and result-oriented, always striving to deliver the best possible outcomes for the individuals I care for. So far, my journey has been one of continuous learning and growth, driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

My academic pursuit, complemented by my relevant certifications, has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this role. The M.Sc in Microbiology in Public Health is a rigorous program that delves deeply into the scientific and practical aspects of public health. Through this program, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding infectious diseases, epidemiology, and the critical importance of infection control in public health settings. This knowledge is particularly relevant to the role of a Client Care Worker, where understanding the transmission of diseases and implementing effective infection control measures is crucial to safeguarding the health of both clients and staff. The program has also enhanced my ability to analyse and interpret data related to public health, enabling me to make informed decisions that positively impact the well-being of individuals in my care. The emphasis on research and evidence-based practice has further refined my problem-solving skills, which are essential when working with individuals who have complex health needs. By applying the principles learned during my M.Sc. studies, I can contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment for those accessing emergency shelter services.

In addition to my academic background, I have pursued several certifications that directly align with the responsibilities of a Client Care Worker. These certifications include the Care certificate, Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults, Moving and Handling, Infection Control, Health and Safety, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, and an NCFE CACHE Award in Awareness of Dementia. Each of these certifications represents a commitment to ongoing professional development and a dedication to providing the highest standard of care. The certification in Care, for example, has equipped me with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to deliver high-quality care, while the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults certification ensures that I am well-prepared to protect the rights and dignity of those in my care. The Moving and Handling, and Infection Control certifications are particularly relevant to maintaining a safe environment, ensuring that I can safely assist clients with mobility needs while minimizing the risk of infection, an aspect that is critically important in any care setting. Furthermore, my training in the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards has provided me with the tools to support individuals in making informed decisions about their care, respecting their autonomy while ensuring their safety. 

As a Client Care Worker, I am driven by the opportunity to build supportive relationships with individuals facing challenging circumstances. My background in public health microbiology allows me to approach these relationships with a scientific understanding of the factors affecting their health, while my certifications ensure that I can apply this knowledge in a practical and effective manner. Whether it is through implementing infection control measures, safeguarding vulnerable adults, or supporting individuals with complex health needs, I am dedicated to providing care that is both compassionate and informed.