Nysha Chaseley-Turner is a Healthcare Support Worker at Benenden Hospital. She talked to us about the Nursing Associate programme and why she decided to enrol.
Why did you enrol onto the programme?
“I was drawn to apply for the Nursing Associate role programme, as I felt I had reached a point in my career where I knew I could do more and it offered me the chance to work towards a professional registration. I also feel that the apprenticeship route is very appealing because it allows the opportunity to work and earn a wage, while progressing and developing a career in a rewarding subject. This is not possible when undertaking the fulltime student route.
How have you found the course?
“I have found the written workload on top of shifts at the hospital and attending placement a challenge. However, it has helped me to better my time management and organisational skills. It was particularly challenging to do this throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and adapt to a mixture of online, in person and independent learning. I have had so much support from the team in the eye unit, which was gratefully received.
What’s been the best part about the Nursing Associate programme?
“It has been incredibly rewarding to gain new skills and knowledge that have allowed me to care for and understand patients’ needs better. I have found it pleasing to be able to work as a Healthcare Support Worker but also to undertake some of the jobs the nurses usually do, easing their work load and allowing me to support them after they have all helped me so much.
“I have particularly enjoyed attending placements in areas totally different to the eye unit, to learn new practical skills and understand how patients are cared for across all stages of life.
Why do you think it’s important?
"The Nursing Associate role will bring a new intake of trained and professional staff, to help support the registered nurses and give the patients the highest level of care. The Nursing Associate role allows healthcare support workers the opportunity to grow and develop in their career, increasing the appeal of a career at the hospital. It is also a role that will bring support and guidance to healthcare support workers, allowing them to be mentored and guided during their work at the hospital, impacting patient outcomes and care.
“I am looking forward to qualifying in just over three months and beginning my career as a registered professional. I see myself continuing my study in the future and would like to complete the nursing top up to further the skills and knowledge I have gained throughout the last two years.
“Overall, I feel that the Nursing Associate course was a great way of easing back into study and has shown me that even though it was a tough and challenging course, it is possible if you are really determined.”
Find out more about working at Benenden Hospital and the variety of nursing roles we have available.
Published on 17 November 2021