Nadisha Terumalai - Level 5 Trainee Nursing Associate apprenticeship
During National Apprenticeship Week 2022 (7-13 February) we will be featuring some of our current apprentices who work across the Trust in different areas and doing apprenticeships at different levels in a wide range of areas. Hearing their stories and how their skills, knowledge and confidence has increased, we will see how apprenticeships are being used within the NHS to upskill staff and ensure they are future-proof and future-ready.
Written by Nadisha Terumalai, registered nurse associate
Who am I?
My name is Nadisha I am 38 years old and married with five children. I’m a registered nurse associate currently working on Tower Ward 6 which is a general medicine ward.
What attracted you to apply for this apprenticeship in the first place?
I undertook a two-year Level 5 Trainee Nursing Associate apprenticeship which I completed in October 2021. Choosing the apprentice route for me meant that I would be earning while learning and I would not be in debt once I was qualified as a registered nursing associate.
What would you say is the main benefit of doing an apprenticeship?
With a young family, I knew taking on an apprenticeship was not going to be easy, but I knew it would be worth it as my long-term goal of taking this pathway meant that I could top up on an 18-month course to be a registered nurse. I later would like to progress to Midwifery, which is a great benefit.
What qualities would you say an apprentice needs to succeed?
When considering an apprenticeship, commitment, dedication and resilience are a must. You will be challenged, stretched and will learn things about yourself in areas you was not aware of.
I have obtained a deeper knowledge and understanding of pharmacology and the science behind it, as well as why procedures, policies and guidelines are put in place to maximise safe patient care.
The heart of nursing is care, compassion and communicaton. You need to be able to communicate with others in different positions such as colleagues, doctors, patients and their families. This includes people from of a different race, background, culture while treating everyone equally.
The theme for this year is “Build the Future”. What new skills did you develop or learn because of doing an apprenticeship?
One of the key skills I have obtained is professionalism and what is required of me as a registered professional in the areas of responsibility and accountability. The wealth of knowledge and skills that I have learned through university and hands-on learning has linked so well.
Going on placements in the community, and other trusts really opens your eyes to wider opportunities in nursing too.
How do you see that the qualification has supported your career going forward?
I can truly say the apprenticeship programme was intense, exciting, it had its highs and lows but was worth it and I am grateful that I had the opportunity. I was believed in and supported along the way.