Receptionist/Admin Assistant Review

I work as a receptionist for sexual health, the main responsibility is to arrive patients for their appointments, check all their demographics are up-to-date, triage walk-ins or late arrivals and book further appointments. I have to print off the patient reception list for the following day and lock it away in case of system failure. i also work in the back office where the main priority is to call patients on our worklist, this is to inform of results, answer queries, make further appointments. I also send appointment letters to those who cannot be reached by phone and answer the back office emergency phone called by social services, doctors, police etc. I am also in charge of stationary ordering.

I did my level 2 Business Admin first which really helped with my stationary ordering. I did a whole unit on this, I created a stock take chart and documents for recording who receives what which made controlling the stock and identifying needs much easier. I have also gained a lot of confidence in dealing with patients and think my communication skills have enhanced. I've also learnt how to be proactive and use my initiative, I can think of new ways to improve the working area or processes and how I can use it for my college evidence

I found the level 2 very enjoyable and helpful. Being able to come up with ideas or identify pieces of work I could use really helped build my confidence. I have just started the level 3 business admin course which is surprisingly more difficult than the 2, however the same students are in each class which is great and the units go in order one after another which is a lot easier to understand. It is also making me create new things i wouldnt have before like a fact sheet which is more fun and create to make

it is very structured, all the units are laid out clearly on Onefile and the one day a month we have to go into college (now on zoom) it is clearly organised on a yearly timetable which shows you which unit you are doing that day. The resources needed are always ready like powerpoints, hand outs etc.

My manager is very encouraging of further development and supports all extra training. There is a new level 2 apprentice and the managers are very encouraging for us to support and help each other and come up with ideas that would be useful for our courses. I have regular 1-2-1s where the course is discussed and the chance given to request any further help

I receive lots of help, when i get stuck i will email my college tutor and she will provide me with advice. i sometimes like to email over my work partially complete to make sure im on the right track and she will give me feedback. If i feel overwhelmed she will set up meetings so we can have a proper discussion there is also an apprenticeship coach who i can go to for any help

it helps me to perform better as it has improved my understanding of my organisation. i have learnt what the NHS Solent expects of me as an employee and what my patients an managers expect. I have taken on more responsibilies in my role so that i can use them for my college evidence, making me become more valued at work and providing support to others

Throughout covid there where monthly "knit and knatter" zoom meetings where people could catch up, have a drink and chat to help keep up morale and keep in contact with those who were working from home. NHS Solent provides free yoga (pre covid) every thursday in my building. We also have staff days which are used as training days and chances for people to imput any concerns or ideas. these are optional if they fall on your day off

Yes

The NHS is a great place to work. The staff here are so supportive and encouraging of one another, the pay is good and issues in personal life are always listened to. Working in sexual health most of the patients are very pleasant and abuse is rare in my workplace. There is minimal staff conflict, great hours and great staff

Research the values of NHS Solent, HEART values and use them in your application or interview. Think of ways you have improved your workplace and how you went about it. Talk about dealing with difficult patients and managing more than one responsibility at once. Research the department thoroughly to be prepared to answer questions relating to it.