She has been working in home care for 22 years. She gained her first experience in care during a holiday job as a domestic helper. After that, she worked in the catering industry and in a cheese shop. But she soon discovered that her heart lies in helping others. She returned to home care. “When I worked there, I immediately felt that I wanted more,” says Astrid. “I switched to Assistant and started the training to Caregiver 3IG. But I soon noticed that it didn't feel right. I needed peace and regularity. A lot also changed at my employer. So I decided to follow my gut feeling and stopped the training.”

Astrid went looking for a new challenge. “I ended up at ThuisHulp Breda through someone else. I started in home support. But I knew they were going to start district nursing there. I said: 'Let me know when it's ready, then I'll see'.” Two years later she got that chance and switched to district nursing. “I'm glad I'm working in healthcare again. That's where my heart lies and where I can really make a difference. I missed the real care work, the colleagues and the clients.”

Not much later, the district nursing was taken over by Thuiszorg West-Brabant (TWB). Astrid was given the opportunity to follow the training to become a work supervisor. “As a work supervisor, I can share my passion for care and support my colleagues well. It is important to me that no one is simply thrown in at the deep end. Everyone deserves the time and space to land well in the organization. That way, they can get started with confidence. It is wonderful to see how people grow in their work.”

Astrid is not finished learning yet. She is currently training to become a Caregiver C. Her colleagues have encouraged her. “I had doubts, but I thought: 'If I don't try now, I'll never know. It's only six months'.” Her message to others who have doubts: “If you really want it, you can do it. Talk to colleagues, share your doubts, but don't give up.”