Nurse apprentice/ associate practitioner Review

My role in health visiting is to give health promotion to families and their children. I complete developmental health reviews and baby weight clinics. Within these clinics I weigh the baby/ child and give the advice that I feel is necessary and can refer to the correct pathways. I have my own caseload of children who I support. I also provide behaviour, sleep and fussy eating advice.

I have learnt many new skills during my first year of university and I have been able to apply some of these skills when I have been on placement with health visiting and children’s hospital at home. I have also been able to take all my skills from my previous role in health visiting and implement them into my student role.

I really enjoy my programme as I feel that it is the perfect way to learn and not have the financial stress. I love learning new skills and get excited to put the skills into practice within my placement areas. I feel university are a great support and I am very happy with how it is going at present.

So far the structure of my programme has worked really well with my work timetable. I have not had any problems with it and work are very good if I need extra support/ time. The organisation of my placement on university’s side has been outstanding and I have no problems. The organisation on NHS side has been ok, there has been times I feel a little stressed about the organisation.

I receive some support from my employer, but have also felt there has been little support and I have felt forgotten about however, this has now been resolved and my employer and I have had a discussion about this. Going forward this is resolved and feel that it is now going well.

I have received lots of support from my training provider, I have regular one to ones and tripartite reviews with both university and my work to check my progress and to see if I need any help in uni or in my work place. I feel very supported by them

I am only first year so I am very early doors. But so far I feel that the qualification helps me within my work role as I am able to put the aspect of a ill baby and compare to a healthy baby. It also helps me give advice and have a better understanding of a multi disciplinary team.

I believe there are many opportunities I can experience/ do but I don’t take part in them at present time due to time. In the future I might try and get invoked so I can make some new friends and keep active. I believe this is important to do.

Yes

I would recommend NHS a friend as it is a great way to learn and complete a degree without the added stress of money worries. It also helps being in a role where you can use your learning from your university and put it into your work role to practice.

I would say to believe in your self and go for it. Sometimes it can be hard to balance everything but NHS are very understandings and will help with anything eg work hours if you are struggling to balance everything. Also look into the different routes to take as they suit people in different ways.