At Bristol Care Homes, we’re immensely proud to celebrate one of our dedicated team members – Sarah, Nurse Associate at Quarry House Nursing Home – whose compassion, skill, and commitment have been recognised with multiple prestigious awards over the past year.
Sarah received the Front Line Nursing Award at the Annual Care Awards, followed by the Social Care Nurse Award at the Great British Care Awards – South West Region. Then, in March 2025, she was Highly Commended at the National Finals in Birmingham – a tremendous achievement that reflects not only her hard work but also the outstanding standard of care at Quarry House and across Bristol Care Homes.
💬 Q&A with Sarah – Nurse Associate, Quarry House Nursing Home
Q: How did it feel to receive these awards?
Sarah: “It was an incredible feeling – I was completely shocked at first, but then just so proud. To even be nominated by my colleagues meant the world to me. I’ve never done this job for recognition but being acknowledged like that made me feel truly valued.”
Q: What inspired you to go into nursing and social care?
Sarah: “It started with caring for my grandfather when he was unwell with cancer. Seeing the care and compassion he received inspired me – I realised I could see myself doing that. That experience led me into community care, and eventually to Bristol Care Homes, where I’ve been supported to grow and train further.”
Q: Tell us about your journey with Bristol Care Homes.
Sarah: “I started as a Care Assistant eight years ago. Bristol Care Homes supported me to complete my NVQ Level 2 and 3, then Level 5 in Leadership and Management. From there, I trained as a Nurse Associate, and now I’m completing my top-up to become a fully Registered Nurse – which I’ll achieve in March 2026. The support I’ve had here has been amazing.”
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your role?
Sarah: “It’s the difference we make to people’s lives. I feel proud knowing I give our residents outstanding care and compassion every single day. Even the smallest moments – a smile, a thank you – mean everything to me.”
Q: Can you share a moment that really stands out for you?
Sarah: “Definitely taking one of our residents, Richard, on holiday. He doesn’t have any family, and with a lot of planning and teamwork, we took him away for three days to Dorset. Seeing his face light up was unforgettable. That’s what this job is all about – giving people joy, dignity, and quality of life.”
Q: You’re known for your passion for end-of-life care. Can you tell us more about that?
Sarah: “Yes, it’s something very close to my heart. I’ve become an End of Life Care Champion because I want every resident’s final days to be peaceful and dignified. I always make sure their families feel supported too. It’s about compassion and humanity – treating others how you’d want to be treated.”
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about a career in care or nursing?
Sarah: “Go for it. It’s hard work, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. Be kind, be open to learning, and take every opportunity that comes your way. The support and training here at Bristol Care Homes have helped me achieve so much – I’d encourage anyone to take that step.”
Q: What’s next for you?
Sarah: “I’ll be qualifying as a Registered Nurse in 2026, which I’m so excited about. I’m passionate about continuing my development, especially in end-of-life and palliative care. I’m very grateful to Bristol Care Homes for believing in me and supporting me every step of the way.”
💙 Outstanding Care, Outstanding People
Sarah’s achievements reflect the commitment and compassion that define Bristol Care Homes. We’re proud of the quality of our care, and even prouder of the people who make that possible every day – people like Sarah.
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