Helen is a dedicated community public health nurse with more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare sector. Her career began in a community nursery nurse role, but her journey evolved over time as she moved into the role of assistant practitioner. Through continuous professional development, Helen has gained a wide range of skills and qualifications that have enriched her career. By choosing to undertake a nursing apprenticeship later in her career, Helen demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing her skills and continuing her professional development while actively working in the field.
For Helen, the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship was a means of expanding her expertise and a way to challenge herself, ensuring that she remained up-to-date with the latest practices in the healthcare sector. “You have to keep learning. The healthcare sector is always changing, so you need to be open to new ideas, new knowledge, and new ways of doing things,” Helen reflected.
Helen’s apprenticeship experience has reinforced her belief in apprenticeships as a valuable route to career development. She explained, “Apprenticeships are a great way to develop skills and qualifications while still being able to work and earn. It gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace and apply what you’re learning directly to your job.” This flexibility was crucial for Helen, especially as she balanced her family commitments alongside her professional responsibilities.
As Helen progressed through her apprenticeship, she was amazed by how the program surpassed her expectations. “The apprenticeship has been a great opportunity, and honestly, it has exceeded what I expected,” she shared.
key aspect of Helen’s positive apprenticeship experience was the support she received from her Practice Assessors, Practice Supervisors, and the academic staff at BCU. She praised the staff for being incredibly supportive and providing feedback that was both constructive and encouraging. “The lecturers were fantastic,” Helen said. “They were approachable, supportive. The feedback I received from them was constructive and helped me to reflect on my practice in a way that made me a better practitioner.” This level of engagement was essential for Helen, who appreciated the guidance and mentorship that helped her succeed in the program.
Helen also spoke highly of the tailored approach taken by the BCU staff, who were understanding of the unique challenges faced by apprentices. Balancing work, study, and family life can be incredibly difficult, and BCU’s staff were keenly aware of this. Helen reflected, “The staff at BCU were always understanding. They recognised the pressures we were under, and they worked with us to ensure we could manage our studies alongside our personal lives.”
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Helen’s journey was not only about personal achievement but also about setting an example for her children. “It’s about setting an example. Hopefully, my children will see that you can achieve things if you work hard, no matter your age or how long you’ve been away from education,” Helen shared. She was determined that her experience would show her children that perseverance and dedication can lead to success, regardless of age or other circumstances.
Helen’s apprenticeship has also paved the way for future career development. The hands-on experience she gained, coupled with the academic knowledge she acquired at BCU, has positioned her to make a significant impact in the public health field. Helen is not only looking forward to the immediate next steps in her career, but she is also enthusiastic about future learning opportunities. “I’m always looking for ways to improve,” she said. “Whether it’s through further studies, different roles, or gaining more experience, I’ll continue to grow in my profession.”
Helen’s belief in the importance of continuous professional development is central to her career and life. She shared, “Education doesn’t stop. It’s a lifelong journey,” emphasising her commitment to continual growth. She also mentioned, “Every new opportunity to learn is an opportunity to grow, and I want to keep growing,” highlighting her determination to keep expanding her knowledge and skills throughout her career. Looking ahead, Helen expressed enthusiasm about the next stage of her career, with hopes of moving into a Band 6 Health Visitor role — a specialist community public health nurse who plays a vital role in delivering the Healthy Child Programme in the UK.
