‘I feel like the world is my oyster’, says nursing apprentice Phoebe
Nursing apprentice Phoebe Knowles says she feels like ‘the world is her oyster’ after enrolling on a trailblazing new course at Telford College.
The 24-year-old, from Bridgnorth, is part of the first cohort of nursing associate apprentices at the college’s Wellington campus.
The partnership between Keele University, Telford College, and the NHS has been established to help boost skills and education opportunities for people in Shropshire.
The nursing associate apprenticeship is being delivered from the Clinical Skills Centre at Telford College, with regular skills sessions and remote lectures delivered by experts from Keele University.
Phoebe, a former Bridgnorth Endowed School student, was working as a phlebotomist at her local medical practice before joining the college – where she previous completed a venepuncture qualification.
“The best thing about this new course is that I can learn while on the job, with a perfect balance of hospital experience and classroom time, while still being able to earn a wage.
“Our lecturers have been extremely supportive, so I have never felt like I have been alone throughout my studies.
“I now feel like the world is my oyster. I have gained such valuable experience so far and still have more placement blocks to come as well as two years on my base, the emergency department.
“My advice to anyone considering enrolling on this course is to definitely do it. And to anyone already enrolling, take every opportunity you can to learn, because no knowledge is too much knowledge when every day in the job is different.”
Phoebe added: “The shifts are long and hard work, but they are so worth it. I have a wonderfully supportive family and partner who have helped me every step of the way.”
The course, which is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, takes a practical approach to help students develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to be a nursing associate.
Students who successfully complete the course then have the option to complete an 18-month “top up” to become a fully qualified nurse.
