GWH welcomes batch of new student nurses

By Jamie Hill - 18 September 2019

Health

Sixteen new students are joining Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s workforce as they start a career as Nursing Associates.

Nursing Associates are a relatively new role within the NHS and provide an alternative route to becoming a registered practitioner.

The students will undertake their academic training alongside working in a number of clinical environments both within the acute Trust and the community. 

Once qualified, following two years of training, they will become a registered practitioner and will be able to undertake a wide range of duties alongside their traditionally trained registered nursing colleagues. 

Both internal and external students will be starting in the position this September, in a number of areas across the organisation. This year’s cohort will also see three Nursing Associates placed inmidwifery and endoscopy, adding these two services to the growing number of areas that Nursing Associates can learn from across the Trust.

The Trust also has two other cohorts of Nursing Associates, the first of which will be going into their second year of training in September.

Natalie Haines, 23, is a second-year trainee student working in fracture and orthopaedics. “The NA course has been extremely challenging but also very exciting,” she explained.

“Being able to learn and develop in my home placement of orthopaedics has been very rewarding. I have also loved both of my external placements- I did six weeks on the children's ward, which was amazing, and six weeks working with the Swindon Intensive Team where I did a community mental health placement.

“The university side is also very exciting; I have learnt lots about general nursing clinical skills during days in the labs.

“I had been a healthcare assistant, but when the NA position came up, I went for it. It was something new and helped me to progress in my career. As the course is so broad, it gives you the ability to really go anywhere once qualified.”

The Nursing Associate role is not just open to those straight from school. Andrea Watson, 46, started her healthcare career in the RAF.

“I saw the job advert for the Trainee Nurse Associate programme in the Special Care Baby Unit and didn’t hesitate in applying,” she said.

“The opportunity to study was one that excited me. I am learning all the time both in University and at work, and my colleagues are very supportive of my desire to learn.

“It hasn’t always been easy returning to study after such a long time but the university staff are great, and there is lots of support available. I feel so lucky to have been given this opportunity and am thoroughly enjoying the programme.”

Tania Currie, Deputy Chief Nurse, said: “It’s so wonderful to see so many aspiring nurses opting to become Nursing Associates.

“It is a successful step into the NHS and will offer students the opportunity to get hands-on with patient care, alongside their academic study. We know that supported, practical learning is the best way to grow and develop in nursing, giving our students the best start in their careers.

“Our more experienced staff also like working alongside them as the Nursing Associates often bring fresh and innovative ideas to practice.

“I can’t wait to welcome our newest cohort in September.”

If you are interested in becoming a Nursing Associate, please visit https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/working-for-us/apprenticeships/ for more information, or contact the Great Western Hospital Recruitment Team on 01793 607970.

Potential candidates should have a year of experience in the healthcare industry, preferably as a Healthcare Assistant or similar and should be qualified to Level 3 – NVQ or GCSEs. All Nursing Associate roles at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are advertised on NHS Jobs.

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