Amy joined CUH in 2018 and worked as a Theatre Support Worker for 2 years prior to undertaking her apprenticeship. She had never worked within a clinical patient facing role before but found that she enjoyed the community and team she worked with and she was supported by her managers to further her career.
Amy thought she wanted to go into nursing after university but wasn’t sure so she decided to try a role in the hospital which helped her make up her mind.
Why did you choose Nursing?
After joining CUH in 2018 as a Theatre Support Worker, the pandemic began and I was redeployed to the John Farman Intensive Care Unit (JFICU) where my role changed to a Healthcare Support Worker. This opened my eyes to the role I could play on a patient’s journey and inspired me to undertake my apprenticeship and begin my journey to becoming a nurse.
Why did you choose to opt for the apprenticeship route into nursing?
I chose this route as I could earn while I was learning which enabled me to be financially stable. It also allowed me to work as a Healthcare Support Worker whilst undertaking my apprenticeship which I loved doing.
What is your proudest achievement to date since undertaking the Nursing Apprenticeship?
Graduating! Also seeing the impact I had on the patients I cared for throughout my learning but also upon qualifying.
What is it about Nursing that makes you want to get up in the morning?
My patients! Being a Registered Nursing Associate means I care for my own patients, so every day I get to come to work and help them on their road to recovery, whether that is through practical clinical care or providing them with a listening ear and a cup of tea. Being able to know you made a difference, even if it’s small, is what makes me proud to be a nurse.
What does an average week look like for you?
I currently work on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) so my day begins at 7:30 with handover, after handover we go onto the unit and take handover from the nurse looking after my patients for the day. In PICU we provide 1-1 care so after handover I will do an A-E assessment on my patient, check their medication chart and plan my care for the day.
What are your career aspirations?
I am going to undertake my Registered Nurse Degree top-up, specialising in Paediatrics. I currently enjoy working in PICU and they offer a lot of internal development in the way of the High Dependency Unit (HDU) and PICU courses, so I may consider this after completing my top-up.
Do you feel like you’re making a difference in your job?
I feel that I am making a difference everyday even in the small ways. Nursing isn’t always about the practical care but the patient centred compassion care which can make all the difference!
Are there any expectations you had about this career path that you have found differed from reality, in both a good or bad way?
When you come in to nursing, you have to realise it isn’t a 9-5 Monday to Friday job. We work 12.5 hour shifts over both days and nights. This can be hard as it has an effect on your personal life, as you have to change shift pattern and work until late; it takes an adjustment and time to get used to it. You may also have to work Christmas/New Year/Bank Holidays and weekends as we provide 24 hour care 365 days a year.
What skills are the most crucial to succeeding in the apprenticeship?
Having self-belief, perseverance, knowing it is ok to ask for help and being patient with yourself.
What the best bit of advice you have for someone looking to undertake the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship?
Follow your heart and what you believe in. Never be afraid to ask questions or speak up. Believe in yourself always because you can do whatever you believe you can. Always be kind to yourself! The journey will feel hard but the end is amazing and every day is rewarding!