Caroline is one of ten people chosen for North Bristol NHS Trust’s first Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship programme, part-funded by your donations.
Launched in 2022, the programme has offered existing registered nursing associates and assistant practitioners the chance to complete a nursing degree without having to leave their current employment at North Bristol NHS Trust.
It’s an important route into nursing which enables those who cannot take on the financial burden of a full-time university course to take the next step in their career. At the end of their two year degrees, the apprentices will become registered nurses.
“I joined the Trust as a cleaner. Soon after, I moved into healthcare to become a nursing associate thanks to the apprenticeship programmes here. I wanted to become a nurse for many reasons. It’s the most rewarding job because I’m able to use my skills to help others.
“The Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship has been an opportunity to build on the principles of delivering compassionate care to patients by learning more about the 6cs of nursing: care, compassion, competence, communication, courage, and commitment.
“I’ve been able to learn through practice, build my confidence to work well with other healthcare professionals, and develop leadership skills too. All of which are vital to giving patients the care they need.
“It’s been challenging to maintain a healthy study-work balance, but it’s been worth every minute.
“The passion and commitment for nursing won’t stop after I gain my qualification. It’s a foundation for more opportunities in the future. I’m looking forward to becoming a registered nurse, working in a varied role, and continuing to make a difference to our NHS.”
The Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship shows how your donations support innovative new training schemes and ways of working for our local NHS.
We’ll be catching up with more of our nurse apprentices as they near the completion of their degrees at the end of the year.
