Janet Thomas, Independent counsellor for work-related stress, health concerns and relationships.

"'Health and social care affects everyone's life. The focus for professional caring is its effect on those who are the recipients of care, but we must also pay attention to the personnel who provide that care. Increasing our understanding of why people choose to work in the caring professions, and of the culture of these organisations enables us to address some of the stress and unhappiness that leads to illness, disillusionment and discontent among professional carers. Ultimately, understanding and looking after the welfare of the workforce leads to a happier, healthier and more effective service.' Janet Thomas, in the Introduction"

• Conscious choice. Altruism. Family and other role models. Social work. The importance of belonging. Healthcare, a uniformed profession. Compulsive caring. Fear of death. Material values. Emotional detachment. The quest for power. Abuse of power. Women in the caring professions. Self-actualisation.

Janet Thomas, Independent counsellor for work-related stress, health concerns and relationships.

"'Health and social care affects everyone's life. The focus for professional caring is its effect on those who are the recipients of care, but we must also pay attention to the personnel who provide that care. Increasing our understanding of why people choose to work in the caring professions, and of the culture of these organisations enables us to address some of the stress and unhappiness that leads to illness, disillusionment and discontent among professional carers. Ultimately, understanding and looking after the welfare of the workforce leads to a happier, healthier and more effective service.' Janet Thomas, in the Introduction"

• Conscious choice. Altruism. Family and other role models. Social work. The importance of belonging. Healthcare, a uniformed profession. Compulsive caring. Fear of death. Material values. Emotional detachment. The quest for power. Abuse of power. Women in the caring professions. Self-actualisation.

Janet Thomas, Independent counsellor for work-related stress, health concerns and relationships.

"'Health and social care affects everyone's life. The focus for professional caring is its effect on those who are the recipients of care, but we must also pay attention to the personnel who provide that care. Increasing our understanding of why people choose to work in the caring professions, and of the culture of these organisations enables us to address some of the stress and unhappiness that leads to illness, disillusionment and discontent among professional carers. Ultimately, understanding and looking after the welfare of the workforce leads to a happier, healthier and more effective service.' Janet Thomas, in the Introduction"

• Conscious choice. Altruism. Family and other role models. Social work. The importance of belonging. Healthcare, a uniformed profession. Compulsive caring. Fear of death. Material values. Emotional detachment. The quest for power. Abuse of power. Women in the caring professions. Self-actualisation.