From Dedicated Volunteer to Compassionate Care Home Manager: A Remarkable Journey of Leadership and Empathy

In a heartening tale of passion, dedication, and professional growth, Rosie Monger, once a volunteer in a Care Home, has ascended the ranks to assume the role of Care Home Manager. This remarkable journey stands as a testament to the power of commitment, continuous learning, and a genuine love for making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Rosie Monger started her career in Health and Social Care in 2013 as a volunteer in a Care Home. She soon became an invaluable member of the caregiving team, showing a natural ability to connect with both residents and staff, and progressed into the position of Healthcare Assistant, then Activity Coordinator before deciding to pursue a career in Nursing.

In 2015 she began studying a BSc in Adult Nursing at King’s College London, working at Guy’s and St Thomas’ until she qualified in 2018. Rosie’s passion for caring for older people living with long term complex healthcare conditions, motivated her career path, whereby she quickly progressed from being a Unit Manager, then taking on the challenge as Deputy Manager, whilst studying to achieve her NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social Care.

Westgate Healthcare recognised Rosie’s unwavering dedication, drive and commitment and were proud to appoint her as Home Manager at Kingfisher Nursing Home in April 2021. Throughout her tenure, Rosie demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. She took on increasing responsibilities, displaying a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by care home residents and the importance of a supportive and nurturing environment. This leadership extended beyond day-to-day tasks, encompassing team coordination, training initiatives, and the implementation of innovative solutions to enhance resident care.

Westgate Healthcare supported Rosie in completing her NEBOSH qualification and her skillset and personality were identified as the perfect complement to Westgate Healthcare’s luxury flagship home, Chestnut Manor Care Home, based in Wanstead. Rosie was appointed Home Manager in April 2022, where her dedication to improving person-centered outcomes for those in her care resonates with Westgate Healthcare’s mission “Life is to be Loved”. Under Rosie’s leadership at Chestnut Manor, the home has achieved a GOOD CqC rating, amongst other great accolades.

The Care Quality Commission stated “The leadership and management of the home was strong with an ethos of community and inclusion. People were positive about the care and support they received. Staff were motivated and felt encouraged to provide a personalised service to people in their care.”

Her achievements did not go un-noticed and in 2022, Rosie was rewarded as a Finalist in the Dignity in Care category at the Great British Care Awards in 2022. In addition, her caring attitude and nature for going above and beyond in her compassion for others, saw her being recognised as a finalist for the Kindness Act Award at the Care Providers’ Voice North East London (CPV-NEL) Regional Care Awards in 2023.

Networking within the healthcare industry played a pivotal role in Rosie’s journey. Active participation in professional associations and attendance at relevant conferences allowed her to stay informed about industry trends, connect with like-minded professionals, and gain insights that proved invaluable in her managerial role. She has a keen interest in encouraging people to pursue careers in Health and Social Care and actively works alongside The University of Hertfordshire, King’s College London and the University of East London to support and educate student nurses. She recently attended King’s College London as a guest lecturer on their MSc Nursing Leadership Course.

Home Manager, Rosie Monger said: “The team at Westgate Healthcare encourage you to learn, adapt and grow within your role, empowering your team members to identify improvements and changes to deliver excellence in care. You never hear things like that’s not my job, we all work towards a joint goal.”

Now, as Care Home Manager at Chestnut Manor Care Home, Rosie continues to inspire her team and residents with her unwavering dedication and commitment to providing the highest standard of care. Colleagues commend her for fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, ensuring that residents receive not only medical attention but also the warmth and companionship that are essential for their well-being.

One team member at Chestnut Manor said, “Rosie is so supportive as a Manager, her warm, professional approach makes for a close knit family orientated work environment. The support given is unmeasurable, she is passionate about Chestnut Manor, its team and residents.”

The story of Rosie’s journey from volunteer to Care Home Manager serves as an inspiration to others in the healthcare industry. It underscores the importance of compassion, continuous learning, and the transformative impact that one individual can have on an entire community. As Rosie leads with empathy and dedication, she exemplifies the best qualities in healthcare management, creating a brighter future for Chestnut Manor Care Home and its residents.