60 second interview with healthcare assistant to nurse Charlotte Cox

When did you join Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust - PAHT

I joined the hospital on 5 May last year.

Can you outline your role

I am a healthcare assistant on Harvey Ward and I am currently completing my apprenticeship nursing degree, attending university one day a week. My role is to look after our patients, support with personal care, change bed linen, complete regular observations, provide reassurance and being on hand to help and support them wherever possible.

How did you get into it

In September 2018, I started college and studied my access course into nursing and midwifery two days a week for one year. During this time, I was still working in a finance role two days per week. I successfully completed the course in July 2019. I then applied to Anglia Ruskin University to start my adult nursing degree. However, I was moving house at the time, so I decided to postpone starting my degree for a year. In December 2019, I saw an advert on the online local paper about the nursing apprenticeship scheme at PAHT. I applied straight away and went through the interview process.

What is the most challenging part of your role

It is challenging getting used to the different shift patterns.

What did you enjoy most

I thoroughly enjoy getting to know every one of our patients.

How do you see the career development of your role

Firstly, I need to complete my nursing degree. I really enjoy wound management, although some may think this is odd! However, I have so much to learn. I would really like to progress into a specialist area.

What advice would you give to somebody who is considering undertaking an apprenticeship

I was nervous about a massive career change, however I knew it was always my dream. I would say, don’t think that you can't do it, it's not always going to be smooth journey trying to juggle work and studying at the same time, but it will always be worth it.