Finding my passion

I had a career change to nursing in my late 40s, and always knew that district nursing was what I wanted to specialise in. I completed my pre-registration course and at the end of my second year, I secured a place in the Community Nursing service in Oldham. I’m from the local area and it was important to me to give back to the community in my new career. I’m very passionate about the importance of district nurses and what we do – you might be the only person that patient sees that day, or even that week, and it’s a privilege to go into their home and to be there for the most precious moments in a patient’s life. 

Unparalleled team morale and support

The team morale and support within the community nursing team at Oldham is just unparalleled. Several colleagues had already been supported to gain their District Nursing PgDip through part-time study, so when my senior practitioner encouraged me to apply for the District Nursing Degree Apprenticeship alongside three other colleagues, I went for it. It was helpful that there were several of us embarking on the programme at the same time, as it meant we could support each other through the process and the year of study.

Seeing the wider picture

Studying on the District Nursing Degree Apprenticeship has made me question a lot of things that I thought I knew and see things through slightly different eyes. I’m better able to appreciate the complexity of some patients whereas before I might have walked in, done the task and not assessed the wider picture. It’s taught me the value of seeing the whole person and of using my role as social prescriber, not just a medical nurse to support patients’ wellbeing, and increase my levels of care.

Leaving a legacy

In May this year I published an article in the British Journal of Community Nursing that was based on work I completed for a university assignment. The BJCN is a resource that I use regularly in my work to keep up to date with research and changes to practice. Besides the personal pride in seeing my words in print, I feel like I am contributing to the profession because it’s so important that we constantly review and research new information that could be of a positive benefit to our patients. We spend so much time, effort and energy reading and researching our assignments it is gratifying to know that one day your work may be referenced in a future apprentice’s academic work.

Becoming who I’m supposed to be

It’s incredibly hard work so you need to be prepared for that. It completely takes over your life, but it’s just so rewarding, and I go to bed at night feeling like I’ve really achieved something and made a difference. I feel much more fulfilled as a person now, and I think I am now the person I was supposed to be.