“I want to become a role model for my amazing little boy” – T level student shares her passion for working towards a career in healthcare

Aspiring paramedic and young mum Loretta Modica, has been working towards a T Level in healthcare qualification – all made possible by strong education partnership links with local colleges and the Trust.

Loretta, a Stockton Riverside College student, has been working within elderly care on Ward 42 at the University Hospital of North Tees and has been loving her placement rotation. She took time out to share her experience so far:

Tell us a little bit about your T Level Experience so far:

On placement (in Elderly Care, Ward 42) the therapy team try their best to ensure I am kept busy with tasks! They’re good at ensuring these tasks meet my scope of practice and they make sure I’m happy and comfortable to carry them out.

Usually, on a day to day basis here on the ward I support with daily responsibilities to keep things running smoothly, I do this by restocking the fresh linen and PPE. I also help promote good nutrition and hydration by handing patients their meals and offering them a drink. After seeing a patient, I always make sure to ask if they are comfortable; I make sure their table is in reach and that they have their buzzer. I do this to help promote person centred care.

I follow infection control guidelines by always using and disposing of PPE after being with a patient and I always use good hand hygiene by washing my hands correctly and thoroughly. I often observe physio assessments. Which has helped with learning all the different types of mobility equipment available to help support patients. Under the supervision of the therapy team, I’m also able to gather a social history from a patient which helps build my communication skills and confidence.

I am a young mum to an amazing little boy. As soon as he entered the world I knew I wanted to do something to make him proud. I want to pursue a career in healthcare to become a role model for him and to better myself as a person.

– Loretta Modica, T-Level student at Stockton Riverside College

What have you liked about your time on placement at the Trust?

On placement with the Trust I have really enjoyed learning about different roles within the NHS and seeing first-hand how they all link together. I have been able to further develop my skills and confidence and to understand what a day in the life of a healthcare professional may be.

The team I have been placed with are very supportive and caring and they always make sure I’m alright whilst here at placement, which really helped me to settle in and adapt quickly. I feel very grateful for the therapy team, who I like very much, for the time they have spent with me and the skills they have taught me. I will definitely miss both the team and the ward upon finishing my placement.

What do you like about the T Level course?

I like the T level as it is a great mix of placement and college experience. This gives us a hands-on learning approach as well as having the academic side too. I like that the T level is exam based rather than coursework, which means there’s not as much pressure to meet deadlines, where there might be on a coursework-based course.

Is there a reason you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?

I am a young mum to an amazing little boy. As soon as he entered the world I knew I wanted to do something to make him proud. I want to pursue a career in healthcare to become a role model for him and to better myself as a person. Not only that helping people brings me great happiness, but a career in health would also allow me to do this whilst giving back to the community.

How supportive have you found the Education team at the Trust?

The education team have been very accommodating when I spoke to them about placement days. They have kindly allowed me to come in on other days than scheduled, to help ensure I stayed on top of my hours.

Has the placement met your expectations and how useful do you think it will be in your future career plans?

My placement has given me great hands-on experience. Whilst on placement I feel I have learned so many new things. It has helped me massively in college, even with my practical exams because of the skills I see being used daily. I’m so grateful for the opportunity of being with on placement here.

What are your plans once your have completed your T Level qualification?

After completing my T level I plan on going to university to study a degree in paramedic practice. This is something I’m very much looking forward too and something I am passionate about!

Is there anything you do in your placement that people might not expect to be part of a healthcare role?

I am on placement with the therapy team which consists of physios and occupational therapists. When you think of those things, normally, bones and mobility equipment come to mind. What people may not realise is that they’re massively involved in the social aspect of the patients care too.

They look into details about the patient’s home life, what type of support they have and how they manage life at home. Doing this helps carry out a full holistic care approach as then they can figure out a plan of care for their patient with the multi-disciplinary team. They are massively involved with the discharge plans for the patient, ensuring they leave able to mobilise safely and confidently – with the correct equipment they need to support them.

Would you recommend the T Level Health programme to others who want to get into healthcare?

T Level in Health is an excellent choice for anyone looking to pursue a career in the healthcare sector. It offers a mix of classroom learning and clinical work experience, providing an understanding of health related topics.

A T Level in Health will equip you with the practical skills and knowledge essential for various roles within the healthcare industry. You will be able to see first-hand how all the roles relate to each other and work alongside one another to provide holistic care for their patients. The qualification includes industry work placement, which allows you to gain hands-on experience that is highly valued by future employers. It also helps build crucial skills such as, confidence and communication skills, alongside physical skills.

It’s a great stepping stone to then continue your education to university or higher education. The T level has given me great insight into healthcare and I would definitely recommend considering T levels!