Apprentice nurse Review

On the Nursing apprenticeship programme with Priory, we are expected to attend university and placements. We are not expected to spent time at work due to Nursing being a full time course, therefore our contracted hours are completed at university/placement. This includes attending lectures, clinical skill sessions, exams, etc and attending placements.

Having a background in healthcare has definitely been very beneficial and the course has definitely further developed skills I have learnt in the workplace. For example, using active listening. I have also learnt new skills, which I have found useful when I have picked up bank shifts on the wards.

I really enjoy the programme, Nottingham Trent have been amazing and they are so supportive. I'm grateful to Priory for giving me this opportunity however I wish I had more support from the hospital I work for. I feel as though we have gone to university and we have been forgotten about, when in reality we should be having regular progress meetings and supervision.

As the course at NTU is a new course there have been some hiccups. Initially, timetabling was a huge issue however that has now been resolved. There has also been difficulties with the assessments but NTU have been really supportive and they have sorted the issues out effectively and timely. There has also been a lot of input from the library team and support team, so we know where to go for support.

Initially there was a lot of support, from high management in the company to colleagues on the ward. However, I have had very little contact with senior management both in the company and in the specific hospital I work at. This has disappointed me quite a bit as the apprenticeship team at NTU have mentioned that we should have regular supervision with a team member at the hospital but this has not been happening. However, they do attend the workplace reviews that happen four times a year but I wish this was someone who was familiar with myself and not someone high up in the company who I have never met.

As stated in my previous answer, there has been very minimal support from my employer. A member of higher management attends the workplace reviews but no one who actually knows me or that works in the hospital that I do. I should be having regular supervision with a member of staff (not my manager) which has not been happening.

I feel as though in the future this will develop my role from HCA to mental health nurse in a huge way. By doing the Nursing qualification, this allows me to step up in my role and provide more holistic person-centeed care to individuals who require it. I will also be able to support my colleagues and team in a better manner.

At my organisation there are very little extra curricular activities to get involved in. However, at university there are lots of activities to do. I am currently a course representative for the apprenticeship course and I am on the Nursing Society Committee. There are a variety of different sports clubs or societies that individuals may enjoy.

Yes

Priory group give a full and robust training programme at the start of employment. They also do yearly refresher training for this. They have a large amount of available training opportunities, which can support and develop your role. They also allow for you to develop into other roles and to further your career. They have a large amount of benefits that you can access as well.

My advice would be to talk to your manager as you need their support to apply for the apprenticeship scheme. I would also get in contact with your local learning and development team to discuss this. Speak to the apprenticeship lead, as they will be able to support you to apply for this role. Even if you don't have the qualifications, Priory may be able to help you to get these.