Nursing associate shares her journey of achieving her dream job of becoming a nurse

Our very first nursing associate has shown her dedication and commitment and now has her first job as a registered nurse.

Nursing associates were a new role in the Trust which began in 2017. They work with healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and the public. It is also a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse.

Leah Quick was our first nursing associate in the Trust and share’s her amazing journey of the challenges she overcame to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.

“I started my first job in healthcare as a healthcare assistant in the adult community service in 2009. Then progressing to a community support worker after completing an NVQ level 3, I felt this was a great achievement as I had no qualification over the old GCSE level D.”

“After becoming a community support worker, this gave me knowledge and confidence within my role. I was interested to learn more and develop my skills. As part of this I looked in to what I would have to do to gain a qualification in nursing, the more I looked the less attainable it felt. There seemed like there were a lot of challenges in the way. Although there were obstacles, I never put the idea away fully, it was always there in the background.

"In 2014 I went to a new base, which was scary but the best thing that could have happened, it was a very progressing team who encouraged learning and development, my district nurse and clinical lead in particular. I planted the seed with my seniors that I would like to gain a qualification in adult nursing, this was discussed, and I was advised I could apply for one of the few Open University slots within the Trust once the previous applicant had finished. Unfortunately, when my time came to apply, they had stopped the Open University option. Sad times, however, I was still determined!

"Along the way there were rumblings along the grape vine of a new role, I kept my ear to the ground, then an email appeared, a new role as a nursing associate, where you would have two years training and achieve a Foundation Degree in the four fields of nursing, this was such an amazing opportunity, I felt a little bit sick!

"I discussed this opportunity with my manager and went to the open session to discuss what it was all about. I got there an hour early, expecting there to be a queue out of the door, there was just me, sat with 4 ‘interviewees’ of the Learning and Development team and HR, panic was starting to set in, dry mouth, a slight glow going on! However, I managed to demonstrate my enthusiasm and why I wanted to further my learning and development. My manager gave me permission and support.

"We had to complete mathematics and English language / Literature to the appropriate level. I had already attained the English as an adult learner when the children were young. The Trust came to the rescue again regarding the mathematics, I completed this in preparation to the application process to university.

"That was it, I was ready to apply, application accepted, interview day booked……Imposter syndrome kicking in! I was told I would never study to degree level due to my dyslexia, this was my biggest challenge, believing I had a chance.

"I completed the interviews, I got a place!!! I couldn’t believe it, I was thoroughly delighted.

"As the curriculum hadn’t been written, no one really knew what the plan was, we all turned up eagerly on the first day, roll forward 2 years I am stood on the stage at the Derby Velodrome shaking hands in my cap and gown, I had managed to get a Foundation Degree at University!! I was so proud, my mum was there and also proud, she had had many an evening when I was a child with spellings and tears working with me through the school years, but that’s another story. My children were there, they were also proud of their mum, and if nothing else this would show my girls that they can do this too, if they want to.

"So I was a Registered Nursing Associate, with a Nursing and Midwifery Council PIN, extraordinary! I applied for the conversions to Registered nurse and it was suggested I take a breath and consolidate my learning; this was the best thing I could have happened. I could promote and support the nursing associate role, and boy was this needed at times. I am a full advocate of the nursing associate role, there is so much knowledge and skill there.

"Whilst establishing myself as a nursing associate I was given the opportunity to apply for a leadership course with the Florence Nightingale Foundation, this was a wonderful chance to meet, train and learn. This course was designed for nursing associates only, from all over the country, it consisted of 6 days in London, this made me a Florence Nightingale Foundation Nursing Associate, another proud moment!

"So, a year after qualifying as a nursing associate I was sat back in the classrooms, this was short lived due to Covid hitting, this was a terrible time for the world let alone nursing students. I somehow managed to finish the course, I hadn’t met my class except on two occasions,

"The classes were online, tutor contact was via email and Teams, it was not good, but we were all in the same boat. This was one of the hardest things I have done, I did not enjoy the course but worked hard and made the best of every opportunity, every insight visit, every placement, they all gave me more knowledge and skill.

"So here I am, I have a staff nurse job in a palliative care unit, I love it. I feel proud every day I put on my uniform. I must remind myself that I worked hard to get here and want to encourage anyone else who has that desire to go for it!

"I would like to thank the people who have got me this far:

Deb Boyer

Lexie Whittington

Lizzy Sansom

Corrina Naylor

"And to all who work for Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, who have supported me every step of the way in becoming registered nurse (I still think I’m going to get an email saying it was all a mistake, imposter syndrome!)"

Interested in joining the Trust? Find out more: https://recruitment.nottshc.nhs.uk/