GAINING EXPERIENCE

I have been working as a registered nurse for the last 18 years. I completed a nursing qualification in India and migrated to the UK in 2006. Since then, I have worked in the NHS in different nursing roles. My speciality is perioperative nursing and women’s health. I came to know about the Advanced Clinical Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship from one of my colleagues and started trying for it as I always wanted to advance my clinical skills.

SUPPORTING ME TO PROVIDE THE BEST CARE

It was my career objective to be an Advanced Practitioner. I wanted to study through an apprenticeship because it ensured support from my employer. Moreover, I did not want to have the financial struggle while I was engaging in full-time studies. My employer was very supportive of me by providing high tech training facilities, supernumerary status, a clinical mentor, and clinical supervisors. It was the right choice for me because I never had to worry about anything other than my studies during the training period. It enabled me to fully concentrate on my academics and motivated me to be passionate about my role in women’s health.

I strongly believe that doing the training as an apprentice made me work to my best capacity to ensure the highest quality of care to all clients in my areas. 

NEVER ALONE ON THE JOURNEY

I was nervous and anxious initially, but I was surprised by the support from the Manchester Met. There was always support available and I never felt alone on this journey. Tutors were always there for any doubts, one-to-one coaching and guided me well. We had online groups [during Covid] to interact with other members of thecohort.

The guidance and encouragement I received from my enhanced level skills coach is highly commendable. We were always on her radar, and she never let us miss deadlines or meetings. The moral support and the positive feedback I received from her during my settling time was amazing when I was overwhelmed with the course content. She helped me to break it down and prioritise as per the deadline.

Utilising the opportunities, starting early, and planning enabled me to avoid last-minute struggles. Moreover, it gave me the time to relax and enjoy my family life. I had to make some sacrifices but it’s all worth it. Maintaining that balance was essential for my mental wellbeing.

IMPACT IN THE WORKPLACE

The aim of my Clinical Change Project was to improve the pain management of women undergoing gynaecological emergencies or having outpatient gynaecological procedures. I developed a Patient Group Directive (PGD) for the use of inhalation analgesic gas (Entonox). Analysis of the departmental audit reports and patient feedback enabled me to identify the gaps in evidence-based service provision in our unit and develop changes based on that data.

Effective usage of PGD can facilitate timely access to treatment, reduction in patient waiting times, minimise avoidance of hospital admission, reduce the financial burden, and maximise the use of resources in our service. This project has enabled me to encourage the professional growth of my colleagues within their scope of practise by providing a safe and clinically appropriate mechanism for the supply and administration of Entonox through PGD.

This project proposal has now been approved by the Drug and Therapeutic Committee. It is a very important change and will improve our service to the women experiencing the gynaecological emergencies. I feel so proud and happy that I had the opportunity to put together this project proposal, present to the medicine optimisation group, and finally to receive an approval to publish.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE

I am more confident and have a great feeling of satisfaction as I achieved my ambition. It has opened a lot of opportunities to grow in my career.

I am still on my consolidation period but I feel that learning never ends. I have received my qualification and registration to practise but I am learning every day. There are challenging situations and ensuring that I am practising within my scope is very important.

The new pay scale received after the training is also a very happy outcome for the hard work.

It is a great programme and will give immense satisfaction in your career.

Find out more about the Advanced Clinical Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship.