Degree Nurse Appprentice Review
at NHS
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Nottingham
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
3.6 /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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
Three 6 week placements in year one, visiting various health care providers around Nottingham. During placement I complete online records of reflections and meet set criteria's. The rest of the time is theory based learning consisting of lectures, seminars and clinical taught sessions. I also complete written assignments and exams.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I have very much enjoyed my programme so far. Nottingham Trent University are clearly a top education provider and have a lot of different options in order to access support. It would be made better if we were in university instead of online and also if the building work was complete so we could make use of the facilities. Nottingham University Hospitals could be more involved with our learning but maybe this in hindered by the current pandemic.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Skill I have developed or learnt are:
- How to be self aware and reflect on situations that may occur to learn and progress in my field of nursing.
- How to develop an evidence-based practice
- How to work by the guidance of the NMC Code
- Many clinical skills including: Observations, A-E assessment, aiding in personal care, how to read a drug card. Many more!
- How to be self aware and reflect on situations that may occur to learn and progress in my field of nursing.
- How to develop an evidence-based practice
- How to work by the guidance of the NMC Code
- Many clinical skills including: Observations, A-E assessment, aiding in personal care, how to read a drug card. Many more!
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
There could be some improvements from the university side of things as the programme has seen a few teething problems. Being a new programme theres a feeling that we are the guinea pig cohort.
- The first exam we sat was an absolute shambles, exam conditions were not met and so my grades suffered. The run up to the exam itself was not ideal either, we were told not worry and that it was just a care plan to fill out. Coming to the exam itself it was actually a 40 plus question written exam. This was very daunting with not much support.
I am however enjoying the blocks of theory and placement and think this is well structured.
- The first exam we sat was an absolute shambles, exam conditions were not met and so my grades suffered. The run up to the exam itself was not ideal either, we were told not worry and that it was just a care plan to fill out. Coming to the exam itself it was actually a 40 plus question written exam. This was very daunting with not much support.
I am however enjoying the blocks of theory and placement and think this is well structured.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
NUH are good at supporting their apprentices at degree level. We have meeting every month. They used to be with our apprentice group but now we have joined with the TNA apprentices attending a different university, I think these were more successful when just meeting with our group. During the first placement there were a few meetings face to face that were extremely beneficial.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Lots of support. Our course leader is absolutely fantastic and a true credit to Nottingham Trent University.
They're aware of the teething problems and are continuing to work with the students to make a programme aimed to support us. I also know I can reach out to staff for help.
They're aware of the teething problems and are continuing to work with the students to make a programme aimed to support us. I also know I can reach out to staff for help.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The only down fall of this, at the moment is the wait for the new facilities. The universities standard of teaching from the lecturing staff is evidently extremely high. Covid pandemic of course makes teaching harder but the university is working hard to still give a high level of teaching.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Yes there are lots of extra curricular activities on off at nottingham trent university. Lots of these activities at the moment are on hold due to the pandemic. The nursing course has set up lots of online talks and tea mornings in the interim before we can meet face to face.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Because its the NHS and we need more apprentices and routes into nursing as well as in other areas. In the long run the NHS has great progression and NUH in particular have good team spirit. I enjoy working there and I am aware that many of the struggles the trust has is due to lack of funds. This is the governments job to give funds.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?
Look at the trusts policy's and promises. Be a team player. Go for it and keep trying, if you are not successful the first time. Seek opportunities and put yourself out there. Always keep an eye on the vacancies available, including the apprenticeships and secondments in order to better yourself.
