Paramedic Apprentice Review

Working in the ambulance service providing emergency and urgent care to patients who require our service. Dealing with a range of conditions and injuries. Dealing with and supporting individuals with complex care needs and providing transport to the hospital or being able to create care plans for individuals. Being able to be adaptable and proactive.

I have learnt a range of new skills to be able to manage and treat patients consisting of cannulation, IO, intubation, needle decompression. I've learnt to be able to carry out more indepth assessments. I have learnt to develop on communication skills, dealing with and supporting with complex care needs and complex decision making. I've learnt to speak and interact with a range of specialist within a multidisciplinary team to provide care plans to patients. I've learnt to develop my own confidence. I've learnt how to create CPD and be able to produce reflections of a more in depth write up.

I do enjoy my programme and how it's developing me as a person and as a clinician. It's supporting with my knowledge and how to adapt and be a good clinician. It's encouraging my learning through self directed study which is where a lot of enhanced knowledge is developed by doing own research. The tutors are all approachable and do respond to any concerns that have been highlighted.

The structure of the programme is organised well although due to covid the first year consisted of a lot of online learning which made certain modules more difficult to understand. All learning materials are well documented on the platform well. We always know where to go and what rooms within the campus. The work load though isn't structured well due to doing university nd full time work with hectic shift patterns makes doing all the assignments difficult due to a lack of time structure.

The support from the employer is good. If you need support then contact initially via email where the employer will then organise support. The shift patterns could be made better which has been highlighted but not supported very well. Support is there if needed but no regular updates from the employer themselves throughout the course.

Support is there from the university. You can make contact with the turmtors for each module via many different platforms including, email, Microsoft teams, telephone. There is opportunities to complete and book tripartite meetings which are really supportive and an opportunity to highlight any concerns if needed. Whenever you need support the tutors do respond and offer that support required.

The qualification will help to better the role and give a bigger scope of practice to be able to give my patients better treatments and management's with enhanced knowledge and understanding. The qualification gives that promotional step with in your career to be able to better further career opportunities.

The workplace has its own gym that can be used if required. But does not have any other activities to take part in. There is lots of opportunities for continued professional development (CPD) where there is often workshops available and lots of training opportunities and refresher courses to attend within your own time to promote your own work and learning.

Yes

The ambulance service is a great service to be part of and to be involved with and feel part of a good team. They are supportive if you seek help. The pay is good now that your recognised for the work you do and pay grades have been adapted. Everyone is so friendly, kind, caring and supportive.

Make sure it is what you want to do because it takes up a lot of time. Requires a lot of commitment inside and outside of work. Always enhance your own learning to better promote and care for your own patients. Be flexible and just enjoy what you do because the biggest part of your life is working with the service.