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What is it like to work at...?

Thursday 31 March 2016

Temporary worker Chantal has been working for the University Medical Center Utrecht since October 2014, a major client of the employment agency Actief Werkt! . Working as a nutrition assistant, Chantal takes you along during one of her working days and shows you what it is like to work at the UMCU.

By: Kyra Joosen

'The UMCU is a very large organisation. I work for the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, a smaller entity in the big event. Although it seemed huge here in the beginning, I soon got to know my colleagues.'

The nutrition assistant has worked in childcare for 20 years. 'There are very sick children and that is not always easy. It took me quite some time to learn to deal with this. You are not expected to be able to do everything at once, you are given the time to find your way.'

A chat here and there

'After signing up and having a cup of tea with my colleagues, I start the first cleaning in the kitchen at half past seven. Een half an hour before the breakfast round starts. This round is continued by a fruit snack at 10:00 am and later by lunch. In between, it is mainly cleaning and tidying up, but the evening meals must also be checked. Where help is needed, I assist.' Chantal also tells the new recordings about how the nutrition is arranged in the children's hospital. 'In addition, groceries have to be ordered and, not unimportantly, there must also be a chat with patients, parents, nursing or other support staff from time to time.'

Chantal's shift ends at 2 p.m., but she often runs for another afternoon. 'You ensure that all patients receive a drink and that the meal trolleys are provided with the correct meals and diets.' At 6 pm Chantal takes off her uniform and leaves the hospital.

Satisfying

'The advantage of working via Actief at the UMCU is that you get paid every hour. What is less fun is that you cannot participate in all collective labor agreement conditions. Parking is an expensive affair for a temporary worker. The UMCU encourages staff to come by bicycle or public transport, but that is not for everyone. Well, that's about all I can think of. It is above all rewarding work'. 


Working at the UMCU?

Please contact Stan den Boer via 06-10736791 or utrecht@actiefwerkt.nl.