The Post: Registered Nurse/Company Director, Balmoral Healthcare Agency
The Post Holder: Kieran McCormick
From a young age Kieran McCormick knew that a career in nursing was the right choice for him.
Give a brief outline of your career to date?
In my early career I worked as a registered nurse and my background included working in care of the elderly, learning disability and then as a healthcare inspector. I’m also a qualified social worker and have worked with children in care. Five years ago I became a company director and more recently took over as owner of the business. I also hold a public appointed role in a Health and Social Care (HSC) organisation. I have had some proud achievements as the youngest care home manager, youngest healthcare inspector and more recently the youngest Chair of a HSC organisation in Northern Ireland.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Geography. I loved learning about the weather and how the earth was formed and how it continues to change. I was always fascinated by the words stalagmites and stalactites – it took a while to learn which was which!
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I went to the University of Salford in Manchester. Here I studied a BSc Hons in Nursing and Social Work.
How did you get into your area of work?
When growing up my grandmother had a horrible progressive illness (Multi-System Atrophy), as a family we had the privilege of caring for her at home. This first inspired my interest in the caring profession. At the age of 16 I then completed my work experience in a local nursing home, from here I was hooked and just knew that a career in nursing was the path for me.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
Before choosing my current career I constantly toyed between wanting to be an actor or a pilot.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
To be a registered nurse you need a university degree. For all my roles you need to be a compassionate, genuine and true to self person, as well as a listener and strong advocate for what you believe in.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
The main route to becoming a registered nurse is through a university degree pathway.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
A genuine listener and an ability to show empathy and compassion. It is critical to have fire in your belly for what you do.
What does a typical day entail?
I’m usually up at around 6am to complete a few emails before breakfast and then my two wee dogs, Lola and Tilly, need a good walk before the day begins. After that I will head into the office or be on the road heading to a meeting for 8am. I’ll then have a schedule of meetings or calls throughout the day and may have to dip into some of my other roles with the HSC organisation where I am a non-executive director. My work day usually end by touching base with each of my team and clearing my emails. On my way home from work I love to call and see my 93 year old grandmother, she means so much to me and I’m very fortunate at the age of 37 to still have grandparents. I usually get home for around 7pm, have my dinner, walk Lola and Tilly again and then have a catch up with my wife and son before chilling for a few hours.I usually head to bed around 10pm and do some mediation before I fall asleep.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The best aspects are meeting lots of truly amazing and fascinating people, being able to make a difference to our health and social care services and being my own boss and having the flexibility autonomy that my role allows for.
The most challenging is dealing with people who have a bad attitude and ill intentions and
confronting those who provide poor services and who take advantage of health and social care services in Northern Ireland.
Why is what you do important?
I fundamentally believe that the genuine and honest work I do makes a difference to our society. I believe so passionately in nursing and our health and social care services.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Don’t be afraid to be bold with your career, take risks, if you’re not happy where you are working move on!
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Be confident, be bold and be passionate in what you do and never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams.
Describe your ideal day off.
My ideal day off would be chilling in Donegal, particularly on the beach at Portsalon.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Put yourself out there, years of experience does not mean competency. Believe in your own abilities and never think that anyone else is ever better than you. We all have our own unique skills, talents, abilities and personality to bring to a job.
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