Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your current role and responsibilities

I have been a nurse for almost 20 years now and currently work in the Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Team as Clinical Lead.

Since qualifying, I have worked in a variety of settings and started my career in Manchester before moving to Cheshire, five years ago. I have worked in accident and emergency, therapy services and in health services in various teams.  As well as a qualified mental health nurse, I am also trained in various therapies.

As a Clinical Lead, I am now part of the management team, my role is focused on supporting staff clinically and it is necessary for me to continually improve my knowledge to enable this. I have enjoyed developing the team and watching it grow from five of us to now over 25.

What motivated you to do the Chartered Manager – Health and Social Care Degree Apprenticeship?

My twin sister is also doing the Chartered Manager - Health and Social Care Degree Apprenticeship so there was a competitive part of me that wanted to ‘beat’ her and ensure that I didn’t miss an opportunity that she was taking.

Secondly, I have recently moved into a leadership role, I did some leadership training with the NHS Leadership Academy and enjoyed this training, I felt there was a lot of psychology theory that applied to management and this made me feel I would be able to engage with the degree.

I rarely turn down an opportunity and the degree is no different.

Reflecting on your time (so far), how have you found your Chartered Manager – Health and Social Care Degree Apprenticeship experience?

I am a carer at home and work full-time, but initially setting aside time and not feeling guilty about this was quite difficult but over the weeks this has been easier.

Working online has been a challenge but I have found it much easier than expected and doing the course with other health professionals has been supportive, as we are all understanding of the pressures of studying and working full-time.

My children are also proud that I “push myself” and have gone back into studying – I want to inspire them to understand that we can do anything!

How do you manage being a carer to your partner and son, working full-time and study a Degree Apprenticeship?

It can be difficult to juggle all the roles I have but I have great support from my sister and other family members. Having a great support network is key to managing and also asking for help.  There are times when I can’t be in more than one place at a time so I communicate openly to the children when I need to be at the hospital or at work.

During the course, there have been occasions where my son has been at home due to illness but working remotely has made this manageable.

What have you found most rewarding in your Degree Apprenticeship?

The most rewarding is working with the other students and getting to know them.  The University has been so supportive and is really accessible.

How has your Degree Apprenticeship impacted your role?

The area I work in perinatal mental health is fast developing and new opportunities arise, all the time, this has encouraged me in engaging with the Degree Apprenticeship as I can see future opportunities and developments within my own team which is exciting and encouraging.

I have already started thinking differently and identifying opportunities within work that support the work I am doing in the degree as well as consider some of the topics we have discussed even at this early stage.

I am feeling confident when thinking about management opportunities within my role and putting myself forward for this.

What inspired you to do a Degree Apprenticeship?

I have two sons and want them to understand that no matter who we are, we are still able to learn and accept new opportunities, even at my age!

I have studied a lot throughout my career including a lot of modules at level 7 but have yet to get a degree. Having only a diploma has felt like a stigma despite the fact it does not change my experience and how I do my job.  New staff are coming into nursing with a degree which was not something that was available when I studied.

Do you have any advice for future mature students interested in studying a Degree Apprenticeship?

Just stick at it, it can feel overwhelming at first and new – especially when trying to juggle family and work too but if broken down into manageable chunks then it is possible.

Set aside time and don’t be afraid to ask for that, work is supporting you so they should make time for you to study.

Apprenticeships are job-related learning. Visit https://www.cwp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/apprenticeships-at-cwp/ to find out more about apprenticeships at CWP.