Paul Smith

I'd been considering a move into the care sector but was struggling to get an interview as I had no previous experience, so this seemed like an ideal opportunity. The four week college program and ten week placement on Ward C2 Neuro Rehab gave me a really good grounding, and I was lucky enough to secure a number of job offers from across the Trust at Salford Royal. 

I chose to take a post as band 2 clinical support on the Pendleton Suite in December 2018, as well as joining the NHSP bank. The skills I learned through the SBWA continued to stand me in good stead through this time, and the additional experience I gained gave me the confidence to consider my next options. A number of senior staff members on the wards had asked me about considering my next step, and when I mentioned the Trainee Nursing Associate [TNA] program they encouraged me to apply. I interviewed for the TNA in May 2019 and was successful in securing a place on it through the NCA.  Knowing this was on the cards I made use of my ability to bank across the different ward settings and also completed my vital signs training ahead of the start of the TNA training program. 

I joined the TNA as part of it's September 19 cohort. I have since had placements on Neuro High Dependency, the Trauma Assessment Unit, Critical Care (during the first wave of Covid-19), L1 Rehab and my current placement on H5 short stay surgical. I've also experienced bespoke placement days with Theatres and three weeks with L7 medical. The program supports our practice time with University days, which have continued virtually since the pandemic, and I am on track to qualify in September 2021. I am currently looking at available vacancies, and hope to secure a job on either Critical Care or within the surgical wards. 

Looking to the future I plan to spend some time working initially as a Nursing Associate but would like to continue my development within nursing. Initially this would involve a possible top up of my foundation degree so I could take on a band 5 role. Beyond that I would be interested in embracing further learning opportunities, with a view to studying towards eventually becoming an Advanced Practitioner. I plan to remain with Salford and the NCA throughout this if possible, as I find the Trust supportive of its staff and their development.