Receptionist/Admin Assistant Review
at NHS
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Business Operations, Healthcare
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
4.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I work as a receptionist for sexual health, the main responsibility is to arrive patients for their appointments, check all their demographics are up-to-date, triage walk-ins or late arrivals and book further appointments. I have to print off the patient reception list for the following day and lock it away in case of system failure. i also work in the back office where the main priority is to call patients on our worklist, this is to inform of results, answer queries, make further appointments. I also send appointment letters to those who cannot be reached by phone and answer the back office emergency phone called by social services, doctors, police etc. I am also in charge of stationary ordering.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I found the level 2 very enjoyable and helpful. Being able to come up with ideas or identify pieces of work I could use really helped build my confidence. I have just started the level 3 business admin course which is surprisingly more difficult than the 2, however the same students are in each class which is great and the units go in order one after another which is a lot easier to understand. It is also making me create new things i wouldnt have before like a fact sheet which is more fun and create to make
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I did my level 2 Business Admin first which really helped with my stationary ordering. I did a whole unit on this, I created a stock take chart and documents for recording who receives what which made controlling the stock and identifying needs much easier. I have also gained a lot of confidence in dealing with patients and think my communication skills have enhanced. I've also learnt how to be proactive and use my initiative, I can think of new ways to improve the working area or processes and how I can use it for my college evidence
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
it is very structured, all the units are laid out clearly on Onefile and the one day a month we have to go into college (now on zoom) it is clearly organised on a yearly timetable which shows you which unit you are doing that day. The resources needed are always ready like powerpoints, hand outs etc.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My manager is very encouraging of further development and supports all extra training. There is a new level 2 apprentice and the managers are very encouraging for us to support and help each other and come up with ideas that would be useful for our courses. I have regular 1-2-1s where the course is discussed and the chance given to request any further help
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive lots of help, when i get stuck i will email my college tutor and she will provide me with advice. i sometimes like to email over my work partially complete to make sure im on the right track and she will give me feedback. If i feel overwhelmed she will set up meetings so we can have a proper discussion there is also an apprenticeship coach who i can go to for any help
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
it helps me to perform better as it has improved my understanding of my organisation. i have learnt what the NHS Solent expects of me as an employee and what my patients an managers expect. I have taken on more responsibilies in my role so that i can use them for my college evidence, making me become more valued at work and providing support to others
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Throughout covid there where monthly "knit and knatter" zoom meetings where people could catch up, have a drink and chat to help keep up morale and keep in contact with those who were working from home. NHS Solent provides free yoga (pre covid) every thursday in my building. We also have staff days which are used as training days and chances for people to imput any concerns or ideas. these are optional if they fall on your day off
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The NHS is a great place to work. The staff here are so supportive and encouraging of one another, the pay is good and issues in personal life are always listened to. Working in sexual health most of the patients are very pleasant and abuse is rare in my workplace. There is minimal staff conflict, great hours and great staff
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?
Research the values of NHS Solent, HEART values and use them in your application or interview. Think of ways you have improved your workplace and how you went about it. Talk about dealing with difficult patients and managing more than one responsibility at once. Research the department thoroughly to be prepared to answer questions relating to it.
