Trainee nursing associate Review

In the role of a nursing associate, you are responsible for proving care for patients which involves activities of daily living such and washing, dressing, oral hygiene, toileting and assistance with eating and drinking and mobilising. As a nursing associate you are also able to carry out more advance care tasks which bridge the gap between a healthcare assistant and a registered nurse such as writing care plans, doing supervised medication rounds ( within boundaries), wound dressings, taking bloods and much more.

The nursing associate path is a fantastic way to learn new skills and develop new ones. Being an apprentice allows you to pick up skills while working in the clinical environment which when a direct uni student, can be sometimes difficult. There are always new training and learning opportunities which can be experienced on your base ward or throughout the Hopsital/ trust.

So far I have really enjoyed the programme. I am coming to the end of my first year and have found it has been the best decision for me. I am working full time - earning a full time wage. I am getting a degree being at university which we also get paid to attend. I have managed to make connections and networks throughout uni and the hospital which will be valuable in my career.

The programme is well organised and structured. We get given a timetable at the begging of each year and each module which is really helpful when planning personal and work life - shifts, annual leave etc. two uni modules run at the same time ( 2 sessions per uni day, 1 of each module ) which I find good as I would loose focus of a module if it were to be taught all day.

My employer is really supportive. They are open and willing to help with any enquiries and problems I have at uni, on base ward and placements. They are able to answer all of my questions or sign post me in the correct direction if needed. They are happy to liaise with members of staff and teams if there are any concerns.

My training provider is helpful. Each module is taught and ran by a different member of staff but so far they have all been really supportive. For each academic year we are allocated an academic assessor - they are really useful to have when facing any problems or need any support in regards to university or placement.

I feel that the qualification does help me to improve my role but I believe it could be more intertwined with practical training also. This is something you receive as a direct entry student - as an apprentice although you are based in a clinical environment certain opportunities aren’t always available and I feel these could be accommodated more to with the training provider. The qualification does however relate well to practice and allows you to understand the reasoning and explanations behind our practical, clinical work.

There are lots of opportunities to get involved with extra curricular activities. There are lots of social events, sports teams and networking events which are advertised throughout the trust which are available to all members of staff. Most wards also arrange their own activities and events but this does of course depend on individual departments.

Yes

University hospitals of Derby and Burton I believe are a fantastic organisation to work within. My experience as an apprentice has been positive. I have always felt supported by the organisation and the staff within it, they have always pushed me to new opportunities and have thanked and rewarded my progress since I joined.

I would highly suggest reading into the morals, values and aims of the trust. In particular the 6Cs are a great thing to have understanding of when heading into an interview. If you have took time to research and understand what the trust is about, the interviewer will see how dedicated you are to achieving the highest of standards and delivering the best of care. Be yourself.