For National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with Nigel almost 2 years after our previous catch up (UCW Award Winner Nigel’s Remarkable Growth – University Centre Weston), to find out how he has been getting on with his Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship after completing a Nursing Associate Foundation Degree!
Nigel’s Blog –
Progressing from my Nursing Associate foundation degree into the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA) felt like a natural next step in my career. The foundation degree gave me a strong clinical base, so moving into the RNDA has allowed me to build on that knowledge while taking on more responsibility. My understanding of the nurse’s role has grown significantly, and I now feel I am developing into a more confident and capable practitioner.
One of the biggest surprises for me has been how closely academic learning connects with day-to-day practice. Topics discussed in university sessions often appear in real clinical situations, which really helps to reinforce my learning and make it more meaningful. Being able to see theory applied in practice has strengthened my confidence and helped me understand the “why” behind what we do.
My previous experience as a Nursing Associate has helped me settle into the RNDA programme. I already felt confident within my clinical setting and in communicating with patients and multidisciplinary teams. This has meant I can focus more on developing my leadership and decision-making skills, as well as becoming more inquisitive about why care is delivered in certain ways, rather than simply carrying out tasks.
What I am finding most rewarding about the RNDA is developing deeper clinical knowledge and becoming more involved in-patient assessment and care planning. Being able to contribute more meaningfully to patient care and see the direct impact on patient outcomes is incredibly motivating.
I have also developed stronger assessment and critical thinking skills, which are already influencing my clinical practice. These skills help me make more informed clinical decisions and contribute more confidently during handovers and multidisciplinary discussions. They also support my colleagues, as I am able to provide more comprehensive background information and assessments when handing over patients, saving valuable time for others such as GPs.
Learning at UCW continues to support my confidence and clinical decision-making. The teaching encourages reflective practice and evidence-based decision-making, which has really helped me grow. I feel more confident with patient assessments and now have a deeper understanding of my own limitations. UCW are also very proactive in ensuring we are aware of the support available, which has been reassuring throughout my studies.
Since starting the degree apprenticeship, my long-term career goals have become clearer. I have developed a strong interest in specialising in long-term condition management and taking on expanded clinical responsibilities. I am increasingly focused on the impact of what we do and why we do it, rather than seeing my role as purely task-based.
To work towards these ambitions, I am actively seeking learning opportunities in practice that focus on long-term condition management and specialist care. I am also planning future study that will enable me to progress onto a prescribing course once I qualify as a registered nurse and meet the required enrolment criteria. More recently, I have also developed an interest in becoming a contraceptive implant fitter once qualified. Spending time alongside implant fitters introduced me to a role I had not previously considered and showed me how valuable clinical exposure can be in shaping future career interests.
For anyone considering the RNDA route or a degree apprenticeship at UCW, I would strongly encourage you to pursue it. While balancing work and study can be challenging at times, the support available and the practical experience gained make the journey highly rewarding. The apprenticeship route offers the best of both worlds: real-world clinical experience alongside academic learning.
The RNDA pathway has given me an excellent opportunity to grow professionally while continuing to deliver patient care. I’m excited to see where this journey leads and what new skills I can learn along the way. Thank you, UCW, for the opportunity.
