Apprentice cardiac physiologist Review

I am involved in the care, treatment and diagnosis procedures of patients with heart problems. This includes performing ECGs, working in the catheter lab where patients may have an angiogram, undergo per cutaneous coronary intervention, have a pacemaker implanted and more. My role also involves working in echocardiography and pacemaker follow up

I have learnt many new skills and also developed existing skills. I have improved my confidence, communication, and team working skills. We work with a multi disciplinary team made up of various roles so it is important to be able to work as a team. I’ve also learnt skills such as performing and reading ECGs

I really enjoy the programme. Every part of the job interests me and I love working in the healthcare setting. I have sometimes found university stressful and feel the course itself could be more organised. But the job aspect of the apprenticeship is great and I really love my job

The course is mostly okay. However I felt at times it has been quite unorganised. Feedback on assignments is not always helpful, and there have been times content has not been taught well. I have made others aware of these issues and hopefully changes will be implemented for future students

My employer provides excellent support whenever I need it. I feel my managers and colleagues are very approachable and I know they will help me whenever I need it. At times I have struggled and my employer had played a huge role in supporting me through and giving me advice when needed

Again my employer is extremely supporting. Whenever I feel like I have struggled, or maybe need some extra time or help when working towards the degree, they always offer help and support and ensure they are doing all they can to help me. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive employer

Some parts of the qualification positively contribute towards how I perform in my role, however some aspects are not relevant or useful. I have felt the majorly of my improvement in performance in my role have come from experience within the workplace and support and teaching directly from my employer as apples to the training provider

They are regular extra curricular activities to get involved in at work, although I do not often take part in these. I have attended one course and there are many opportunities to attend more. I would like to do this more often once I have finished the degree and qualified

Yes

Blackpool hospital is a great place to work, particularly in the department that I work in. All the staff are fantastic and there are also many opportunities for progression. As a teaching hospital I feel everybody makes an effort to help and teach each other, particularly when students visit on placement, making it a great place to learn

I would advise others to contact the hospital and enquire about some work experience prior to applying. I did this before I got my job, and I feel it gave me a real insight into the hospital and the department, and confirmed to me that I wanted to work there. It also aided me in being successful in my interview as my employer liked the fact I have been on previous work experience