Sheila, I am a nurse and have a Masters degree in elderly care, currently working in a hospital but would like to use my qualification effectively. I work with elderly people. Could you advise as to which way to go where I could work independently with this qualification?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear Sarah,

Thank you for your question.

I think the first place you could look would be to a Local Authority to discuss with them what opportunities they believe would be open to you at this time when the integration of health and social care is at the top of the agenda. I am sure that you would be surprised at the opportunities that might present. If you need further advice about this please contact me again and I could arrange a contact for you to speak to.

In the private or not for profit sector many of the large providers would welcome you at a senior level I am certain. There would be all sorts of opportunities I would have thought relating to areas such as Director of Nursing, Quality Assurance Management and most particularly about ensuring a standard and consistency of care across all forms of Adult Social Care provision.

Best wishes.

Sheila