Apprentice Nursing Associate Review
at NHS
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Healthcare
Beckenham
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
2.3 /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!
2.5/5
-
Overview of Role
3/5
-
Skills Development
1.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
2/5
My role is to work within the trust as a healthcare assistant full time while I also complete my studies one day per week at university (FdSc Nursing Associate). Typically I carry out the same duties as other HCAs and CSWs on the ward
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The teaching content is good but with only one day per week at university and full time work in between as part of the apprenticeship, this leaves little to no time for independent study. The role is rewarding, but it is also hard work to carry out while studying
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have learned new skills that are useful to my role, and I feel more prepared for practice than full time nursing students who have much less patient-facing experience
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
1/5
Poor organisation, partly due to lack of communication between the university and workplace teams. Timetable changes and changes that affect students are often not communicated in a timely manner, feedback for work is not given in an appropriate timeframe - overall chaotic and stressful
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
Moderate - My personal manger is supportive but colleagues often criticise the course in general as a waste of time. Full time nursing students are prioritised on the ward. Nurse education team struggle to co-ordinate with the university and are less understanding when raising concerns or issues.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
Minimal - The course requires 37.5hrs work/university attendance per week but we are not considered full time students. We are not eligible for any financial support as 'part time' despite our apprenticeship wage. Full time nursing students are prioritised for resources, teaching and simulation time.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
Teaching content is good but delivery is suboptimal from some lecturers. Most learning is theory-based and few practical sessions have been arranged for practicing procedures and skills required for the role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
No, due to Covid-19 these have not been available. Additionally, due to full time working hours each week there is no opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
No
Why?
Disorganised, suboptimal pay, unprepared for practical issues (Such as policies and guidance specific to apprentices rather than student nurses not existing), difficult to access support and few opportunities for protected learning time. The role is rewarding but the apprenticeship course is not well designed.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?
N/A
