Read what Tanya, A nursing assistant practitioner has to say

1.When did you join PAHT?

I joined PAHT in May 2014 as a ward assistant, before becoming a healthcare assistant in the emergency department in February 2015. I then became an assistant practitioner in August 2019 and have loved every moment.

2. What steps did you take to achieve your role?

I had worked as a hairdresser for 25 years and taught students at Harlow College, where I gained my degree in education.

From there, I worked for Essex County Council as a targeted personal advisor for Connexions, a service for disaffected younger people. This involved working with child and adolescent mental health services (CAAMHS), schools, healthcare providers and social care to help address the issues that were stopping teenagers thrive in education, employment or training.

In 2012, the whole service was dissolved and I was made redundant, so I took two years out to spend time with my youngest child until 2014.

I applied for the ward assistant role on the emergency assessment unit (EAU) and was one of the first ward assistants within the trust. I did this for seven months until the opportunity arose to become a healthcare assistant in the emergency department.

I also spoke to the ED management team about doing the foundation degree to become an assistant practitioner, which was incorporated into my appraisal. I began the foundation degree in January 2018 and completed it in August 2019; in October 2019 I started the ‘top up’ to start the final process of becoming a registered nurse, which I hope to complete next year to become an A&E nurse.

Throughout this time, I’ve also gained my maths and literacy level 2 qualification and completed additional study days and put myself forward for roles such as a blood link, dementia champion and have been trained to carry out fit tests for staff FFP3 masks.

3. What inspired you to start your nursing career?

In 1979, as a small child, I contracted meningococcal meningitis and almost lost my life. However, the fantastic nurses and doctors at PAHT prevented that from happening.

Seeing how hard the nurses work, how they cared for patients and made a huge difference in people’s lives as a little girl influenced my interest. I loved the uniform (especially the paper hats!) and from then on I had always wanted to be a nurse, but life can take you on a different journey. My interest in health and the body continued, although I was not working in healthcare.

When I saw the ward assistant role advertised, I saw this as an opportunity to fulfil my dream. However, when I started at PAHT the apprenticeship route did not exist and there was no way that I could give up work to study as a full time nursing student. When this route came to light, it was a chance to learn, earn, become what I had always wanted to be and train within the hospital working environment.

4. Can you outline your role?

As an A&E assistant practitioner, I mentor and provide support to our healthcare assistants, including blood training, encouraging them to progress onto the foundation degree and help with their studies if they require any guidance. I hope that I’m also a role model and encouraging PAH healthcare assistants to gain additional skills and knowledge, giving them confidence to progress within their role and benefit PAH patients.

5. Can you describe any stand out moments?

I’m so blessed to work in the team I do, we are an extended family and always try to support each other. Dawn Power, practice development nurse, and Vicky Barnes, A matron have been the best support I could ever have asked for and I’ll always be so grateful for this opportunity. So many have helped me on my journey and I am beyond thankful, I will never forget the help and support PAH staff have given me. I must say, ED often changes and has various challenges, however the recent challenge of COVID-19 has amazed me, not just ED, but hospital wide. Everyone has adapted and just powered on, that for me is true inspiration and I am so proud to be part of that.

6. What is the most challenging part the role?

The most challenging part of the role is the capacity PAH have within the department at certain times of the year, however I know this is across the board. Also it can be challenging adapting to change, however I like challenges and change that is effective.

7. What is your favourite part of the role?

My favourite part of the role is seeing all PAH patients smile and improve in front of your eyes. It’s also supporting patients and their relatives by offering help as required.

8. What is your advice to anyone considering a career in nursing?

Just go for it, it is hard work but so rewarding. Healthcare assistants have a wealth of skills and knowledge and can become exceptional nurses, it’s one of the best decisions I have ever made.

9. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

In five years’ time, I would like to be an ED sister and possibly undertaking a Masters. I can see myself working at PAHT until I retire!