Trainee Assistant Practitioner Review
at NHS
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Healthcare
Swindon, Wiltshire
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
2.6 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
3/5
-
Skills Development
2.4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
I am working in Theatre Department, Scrubing for small operations , working along surgeons and experience nurses, learning sterile technique of washing, glowing and dofing. I am also doing basic observation on patients , check their blood pressure, oxygen level, temperature and pulse after surgeries.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The program is very demanding and intensive, a lot of learning over a short period of 2 years. University expects a lot of success and precisely written essays and presentations where it is difficult and hard to achieve, because I am not great at writing. Despite the difficulties, I quite like my program
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
Absolutely ! I've learn a lot about aseptic non-touch technique, catheterisation of female and male patient, scrubing and manage surgical instruments, types of sutures and type of dressing. Checking the vitals signs on patient also its very helpfull to make sure your patient is in good condition.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
The program is quite organized, although we sometimes encounter problems with contact with teachers, access to our schedule for the next weeks or with earlier information on the next topics of the training. Also some of the people are not always available to help you with your academic work, especially if you are dyslexic like me. It requires personal intervention and constant asking for details. Less support for studying.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
Unfortunately, not much. My job is based on continuous expectations from my employer, and I get little in return. Bystanders and friends provide more support. I am disappointed with this. My work in the hospital is quite organized but only thanks to my own care, while the University helps to a very limited extent
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
As I mentioned a little earlier, my mentors are very well selected in theaters and thanks to that I can learn a lot. Most of my placements are well planned and I have a chance to get the necessary apprenticeship. All profieciencies are always filled with care. In this regard, I am satisfied
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The program is structured in a fairly good way, because each semester offers knowledge that we can translate into practice in our work, which is by no means the case in my specific case. There are cases where through my work I am given more practical knowledge than general information from the University. Personally, I prefer pure practice and gaining knowledge through work.
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
I am sorry to say that not much is organized for us outside the University and work. I personally organize my free time from work, spend it with my family and friends. It would be very nice if someone organized some events for us for recreational purposes
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
No
Why?
The reason I would not recommend Swindon College is the poor support of the teachers, the college itself, and your assessor. The demands are great and we get little in return. Like people say -no pain, no gain.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?
The application process is quite tedious and lengthy. You have to complete a long online application, and undergo two interviews, at the University and at the workplace. You must provide evidence of a health and care job to support your candidacy and experience. Opportunities are very promising but you have to work hard for it and devote a lot of your private life to academic work and study
