I have been working for the NHS, mostly within the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, for nearly 12 years. Having left school without any real clear direction I started my journey in 2005 as a Theatre Assistant. Since then I have gone from strength to strength. Working for the NHS and ROH in particular has been very rewarding and has offered many opportunities.
This is my story so far...
Theatre Assistant
I joined the ROH as a Theatre Assistant and completed my Care Certificate.
Health Care Assistant
To continue my clinical career I secured a job as a Health Care Assistant in Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust where I was given the opportunity to complete a Level 3 Healthcare Apprenticeship.
Healthcare assistant practitioner | Level 5
Having completed the Level 3 Healthcare Apprenticeship I noticed an opportunity with my former employer (ROH) to enrol as a Theatre Assistant Practitioner and become a fully qualified Assistant Practitioner.
Assistant Theatre Practitioner
Following on from my Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship I secured a job as an Assistant Theatre Practitioner at ROH.
Operating department practitioner (integrated degree) | Level 6
During my time as an Assistant Theatre Practitioner I was given an opportunity to qualify as a nurse. On completion I studied for the ODP Specialist Qualification as I worked in the role.
Operating Department Practitioner
I was then appointed to a Theatre Nurse role and undertook in-house training in management
Clinical Specialist
Having gained my Clinical Masters I applied for and secured a job as a Clinical Specialist working in Safeguarding.
What does the future hold?
I am now working in a Band 7 Role and my future aspirations are to become a Nurse Consultant at Band 8b. Working in the NHS has provided me with many opportunities to succeed and further my personal development, through funded learning and a wealth of experience.