Step through the front door of Balhousie Pitlochry and the chances are you’ll find sisters Morna and Connie Liney hard at work.
Older sibling, Morna, joined in 2021 shortly before heading to university to study nursing. She’s now a mainstay of the home, and was joined last year by younger sister, Connie.
Starting out
Morna, who has always wanted to work in healthcare, initially joined the team at Pitlochry to gain experience and ensure she was making the right decision ahead of the start of her nursing degree.
“I had always wanted a career in healthcare,” she says. “I came to join Balhousie Pitlochry as I wanted some care experience to confirm my decision. When I was offered my job I knew it was the right direction to go.”
In 2022 Morna was joined by Connie, who like her sister has her heart set on a career in the health sector.
“I also knew I wanted to work in healthcare, and while I’m on a year out between school and university I wanted to get some great, hands-on experience,” she says. “And Morna really encouraged me to join her at Blahousie Pitlochry as a great place to work.”
Key skills
Both sisters excelled in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects at school. Morna felt an affinity for biology, while Connie showed her aptitude for chemistry.
“I enjoyed the practical side of subjects,” Morna says. “I much prefer learning while doing rather than theory work.”
However, theory and practical are not the only aspects needed for a successful career in care.
“People skills are probably the most important,” she adds. “That’s something I’ve picked up and improved on in each of my roles.”
Connie agrees. “In my previous job in a coffee shop I spoke to a lot of different people, and the communication skills I gained have really helped me working in care,” she says. “At the end of the day it’s all about connecting with people and building good relationships. And I love that part of the role.”
Future goals
Both sisters’ desire to pursue a career in health has only increased during their time at Balhousie. Morna, whose nursing degree is focused on mental health nursing, has been inspired by her time in the Pitlochry care home to continue to work with older people.
“My work in care has made me want to steer my degree to work in geriatrics,” she says.
Like her sister, Connie also wants to move into specialist areas.
“Working at Pitlochry has inspired me to pursue a career working as a clinical psychologist, particularly focusing on mental health and dementia care,” she adds.
The best bit
Morna and Connie both savour their daily interactions with the residents at Pitlochry.
Connie says: “My favourite part of the job is the people. Spending time and getting to know the residents is very fulfilling, and getting to watch them become happier makes my day.”
Morna adds: “I love getting to form meaningful relationships with the residents and hearing all their stories. The best bit of my day is when everyone is relaxing in the afternoon and I can go and sit and have a chat with the residents.”
Join the Balhousie family
Connie and Morna say a career with Balhousie is well worth it.
“There is no job that is more rewarding,” Morna says.
Connie adds: “Go for it, enjoy it and take every opportunity you can!”
