Operations Manager Review

Ambulance Operations Manager providing leadership and guidance to line managers, supporting them to manage front line operational clinicians. Working with internal and external stakeholders to in support of service delivery. Lead on various projects both annually and one off events.

Throughout my MBA studies I have learned a great deal in terms of leadership and business knowledge and skills that I have not been exposed to as a clinician rising up through the ranks to become a senior divisional leader within the organisation.

I enjoy my programme. It has been extremely challenging throughout Covid. Some module leads have not realised the impact of Covid on those studying that are still working full time, balancing home life, the demands of an MBA programme and trying to maintain good mental health.

The programme was well structured until Covid came along. Unfortunately since then our studies have moved on line which has been challenging for all involved, especially those that do not learn well in an online environment. The programme has also been continuous with no break since January 2020.

My employer has tried to support me, they release me from work to attend university sessions as a requirement of the funding. However during Covid the on the job training element has been difficult to achieve and I have had to use several periods of annual leave to write my assignments.

The module tutors have generally been very supportive and accessible baring one module where support was below standards, until it was challenged. We have an academic mentors to support us through the programme who are usually separate from those teaching us in the programme. Mine has been fantastic and she is a great role model for me. I hope to continue our relationship as mentor and mentee once the programme concludes.

My qualification will undoubtedly open many doors for me in the future and will support me to be a better leader. I already utilise what I have learned over the past 18 months and will continue to do so for the rest of my career. This qualification will be pivotable for me to support me to gain promotion in the future with with my current employer and will also enable me to look for roles outside of my sector/organisation to work in other areas of the NHS.

There are no extra curricular activities at my workplace. However with the demands of my studies if there were any I would struggle to be able to accommodate them. It is difficult to be able to maintain my previous levels of fitness whilst studying on this apprenticeship programme and working full time.

Yes

The NHS is an amazing place to work. However the sector I work in has been underfunded for years, making it hard to achieve the contractual standards that are set. In certain areas glass ceiling barriers still need to be broken down in terms of women in senior leadership roles, so it's never an easy day at work, but if you are looking for a challenge then the NHS is certainly able to provide you with that.

Every day is a school day, you never stop learning within the NHS. There are fantastic career development opportunities if you are willing to work and study hard for them.