Student Blog

Registered Nursing Degree apprentice, Amy has shared her experiences of studying at BU below:

The Registered Nursing Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA) was a no brainer for me as it was a fantastic opportunity to work and study with also receiving a salary. It takes off the financial pressure of being a student with also having the support from both my employer and the university. I was intrigued by the hybrid of attending university and working alongside on the ward. That meant I could put into practice what I was learning at university which has been fantastic for my personal and professional development.

Before I applied for the RNDA, I had no previous care experience. The apprenticeship has allowed me to work and train on a ward before going out on placements. This has really given me the confidence and experience in my first placement with a little bit of previous knowledge. I could then focus on developing my nursing skills as a student nurse. Bournemouth University has great facilities that I use on a weekly basis; the library is an excellent place to study and has a huge variety of books to support learning.

I work at Poole Hospital, which is part of the University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) Foundation Trust. The practice education team there are brilliant at helping out with any issues or queries regarding any work-related problems and also with the course at BU. As an apprentice, I have a 3 monthly meeting with my personal tutor at university, a member from the practice education team at UHD and my line manager on my ward to discuss knowledge, skills and behaviours that I have learnt since starting the course. It’s a great way for everyone to catch up and the opportunity to discuss any problems. It’s also there to discuss and set future goals for me to focus on as the course progresses.

I have spoken to a couple of final year apprentice students who have, or are planning to apply for nursing jobs within the trust once they have qualified. I know the trust and education team put on third year student nurse career events to help students network and discuss future job prospects across the hospitals. This is an event I will attend in the future to explore potential opportunities that would take my interest.