Louise Yvinec – trainee health visitor

“No two days are the same” Louise Yvinec is training to be a Health Visitor after a career change

Louise Yvinec is a Trainee Health Visitor in Britwell, Slough. A qualified Mental Health Nurse, Louise’s interest in health visiting began after she started work in a school health team following the birth of her second child. The flexibility of working school hours suited Louise’s lifestyle and she was attracted to opportunities to further her career.

What inspired you to become a Health Visitor?

I found working with children and families such a rewarding and enjoyable experience that I went for a position as a community staff nurse in a health visiting team. I then applied to train as a Health Visitor.

How do Health Visitors work with children and families?

Health Visitors work to build parents confidence and can be a safety net for first time parents or single parents without family support.

They have a particularly important role in protecting children and making sure those living in deprived areas grow up with a healthy and safe lifestyle. They sometimes link families with other specialist services.

Health Visitors are best placed to really see the different needs of local communities.

Describe a typical day?

There is no typical day. The work is really varied and the families I meet all have such different lives, which is why no two days are the same. You could be visiting a new parent at home to help with breastfeeding or advising on diet or running a health clinic in the community. And loads more!

How was the training?

It’s hard work, but extremely enjoyable. I found the academic side of the course challenging at first, as I hadn’t studied for a while, but I got so much encouragement and support from my teachers.

What do you enjoy about the work?

I love the fact that every day is different; there’s never a chance of being bored! I feel so privileged when I visit a family and their new born baby and can offer help or advice if they need it. Having a family of my own, the hours are great – no more shifts or unsociable hours.

Final thoughts on a career in Health Visiting?

It’s a challenging and extremely rewarding job. You can make a positive contribution to a child’s life that will benefit them for years to come. We are in a unique position to work with families at home or in their local community and be there for them through both happy and difficult times.