We recently spoke with Amy Johnson, Recruitment Consultant for our Mental Health Nursing team. Since joining Athona back in April 2023 as an Associate Consultant, we wanted to find out more about Amy’s career journey so far, what she enjoys most about her role and what advice she would give to others looking to kickstart their career in recruitment.
Find out more about Amy and her answers below.
So Amy, when did you join Athona and what were you doing beforehand?
I joined Athona 10 months ago now in April 2023, and it’s been an incredible journey ever since! Before working at Athona, I was recruiting RGN’s for Community Nursing/Direct Nursing in the West Midlands area at another healthcare recruitment agency for around a year.
Tell us a bit about your career journey here at Athona so far.
When I initially joined Athona in April, I was recruited as an Associate Consultant for the Nursing team before then quickly being promoted to Recruitment Consultant within the Mental Health Nursing team in September 2023.
What made you choose a career in recruitment and what do you enjoy most about it?
I chose a career in recruitment as my brother and friends were working within the industry and I noticed after some discussions that I had a lot of transferable skills from my role as a nursery manager. The aspect I enjoy most about my current role is the positive response I receive from my candidates. Whether I am there as support on the other end of the phone after a difficult shift, or providing nurses with the freedom and flexibility to choose their working patterns, I love gaining a deeper insight into the NHS and helping my nurses in any way possible.
What has been a highlight of your role so far?
Being relatively new to recruitment, it’s been a huge achievement of mine to be succeeding above my expected monthly target every month! Looking forward, I am keen to continue growing and progressing my desk.
What advice would you give to others looking to get into recruitment?
My main piece of advice for someone who is looking to start their career in recruitment is don’t give up at the first hurdle! Take the highs and lows that comes with the role and always remain resilient. Sometimes in recruitment you can’t control the outcome, but one thing you can control is your mindset and how you move forward.
Do you have any future goals or aspirations for your career?
My long-term goal is to be well established within the industry and continue to grow my desk, whilst always striving to be the best recruiter I can be for my candidates. I also aim to build further relationships with my candidates and clients and be recognised within the trusts I work with.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
In March 2021, I decided to travel alone to Zanzibar, Africa for three months and whilst there I volunteered in a village school teaching their pupils English.
Are you a mental health nurse looking for a new role? Get in touch with our recruiters like Amy, to let them know your working requirements and other key information about yourself and your working history.
T: 01277 245846
