Guest posts
Faculty: Health, Medicine and Social Care
School: School of Nursing
Category: Nursing and midwifery
22 July 2022
Read about degree apprentice student Christine's journey with ARU, from work experience in healthcare to qualifying as an adult nurse.
Christine’s apprenticeship journey began at Ramsay Healthcare’s Oaks Hospital on a ‘Get into Health Care’ work experience programme run by The Prince's Trust.
Christine impressed her employers with her commitment and desire to learn, and they offered her a Level 2 apprenticeship, followed by full employment at Oaks Hospital as a Healthcare Assistant.
Since then, Christine has undertaken a foundation degree to become a qualified Assistant Practitioner and went on to complete a BSc (Hons) in Adult Nursing, all via the nursing apprenticeship pathway.
We were delighted to interview Christine about her apprenticeship journey following her ARU graduation.
Why did you choose the nursing apprenticeship pathway?
I was put forward for the apprenticeship after completing the Assistant Practitioner FdSc at ARU in 2018. I showed interest in expanding my knowledge and skills and becoming a Registered Nurse.
I had not achieved the required entry criteria after leaving school; however, Oaks Hospital and ARU helped me to achieve these to enable my journey to progress.
What opportunities has the apprenticeship given you in your role?
Completing the apprenticeship made it possible for me to become a Registered Nurse, since qualifying I have become a Student Facilitator for my ward, whereby I support other student nurses who come to the hospital on placement as well as our internal students.
How do you feel you have added value to your work and the wider team?
My confidence has grown enormously, and I now feel I am able to better support my peers in a professional capacity.
I have participated in filming videos to support patients in understanding what happens when they come into hospital. I am also an ambassador for nursing apprenticeships within my organisation.
What have you found most rewarding about the apprenticeship?
The most rewarding part of finishing the apprenticeship is I am now able to provide total care for my patients. Studying via an apprenticeship route ensured I was financially stable while gaining my qualifications.
How have the skills and knowledge you have gained from this course benefitted your career?
I am now a confident member of staff and take pride in my work. I feel I have the knowledge and qualities learnt on my journey to ensure I deliver safe and personalised care to all my patients.
Christine’s employers added that she has inspired and encouraged others to investigate achieving the entry criteria to undertake a higher apprenticeship too.
They added:
"Christine is highly motivated in every aspect of her work and encourages everyone to improve their ways of working.
"Christine is a brilliant advocate for the nursing apprenticeship pathway. Having our own internal apprentice who has gone through all the levels has been a huge benefit for other potential candidates looking to take part in an apprenticeship scheme.
"Christine embodies that anything is possible given dedication and a drive to succeed."
If you have been inspired by Christine’s story, why not find out more about our nursing apprenticeship pathway and other degree apprenticeship courses?
Disclaimer
The views expressed here are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of Anglia Ruskin University. If you've got any concerns please contact us.