A Hartlepool mum is flourishing in her dream career after taking an alternative apprenticeship route into A&E nursing.
When 34-year-old Lois Prest realised that a university degree just wasn’t for her, she left her adult nursing course in search of an alternative career pathway in healthcare. Her search found her land her first NHS job in January 2022 – as a healthcare assistant in orthopaedic outpatients at the University Hospital of North Tees.
Less than two years into her role, Lois began – and has since almost completed – a nursing associate apprenticeship. The course will see her take on her new role as a nursing associate in September this year.
Lois said: “Before I knew it, I’d been working as a healthcare assistant for about a year. I’d made friends who were genuinely my friends, I felt safe and I felt free. And so I started looking for new opportunities to learn, grow and contribute my skills.
“When it came time to do my interview for the nursing associate apprenticeship, I was so poorly but I was going on that interview regardless. In my mind, if I wanted to succeed, I needed to get on that course.
“I got a call later that day to let me know I’d passed and I was just so overwhelmed. I thought ‘I’ve done it, this is my time’.”
A placement in A&E changed everything
The course sees apprentices complete theory learning at Teesside University, taking on placements in different nursing specialities while also working in a ‘base’ department at the Trust.
After Lois completed a placement in emergency care at the University Hospital of North Tees, she found herself hooked. A&E became the base department for her apprenticeship. She has also found support in Leanne Powell – sister and clinical educator in the emergency department.
Lois said: “I realised that A&E was where I wanted to be. To be given an opportunity to work in the emergency department, getting all those extra skills, is the best start for anybody’s career.
“The whole team is amazing and Leanne, in particular, has been like a personal advisor. She has been very supportive, encouraging and motivating. She’s given me the opportunity to attend extra training sessions to help me be the best version of myself.
“I just feel like I’m a very, very lucky person to have the opportunity to do the apprenticeship. This Trust is all for training and it’s benefitted me but also them because I’m here for the long haul.”
The nursing associate apprenticeship is usually completed over two years. However, Lois had the opportunity to complete it in one year due to her prior learning at Teesside University – an opportunity she seized.
“Where she’s meant to be”
Less than a year on, Lois has completed her hours and passed her theory. She will formally begin her new role in September.
Her hard work has also been recognised with an award at Teesside University after a member of the Trust’s education team nominated her. The award recognises Lois’ ‘tenacity and commitment’ to completing her apprenticeship while also completing a number of courses – some run by colleague Leanne – which are available to staff at the Trust.
Leanne said: “Lois came to us very nervous but she’s doing great. As someone who came in with no experience of A&E, she wants to know everything and is really putting in the time.
“A&E is where Lois wants to be. And I think it’s where she’s meant to be.”
Lois continued: “I would recommend the TNA course to anybody who wants to go down this career route. You’ve got to be dedicated and you’ve got want to do it because it is tough.
“But I know this is my passion and I’ve found where I want to be.”