I have been working for the NHS, mostly within the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHC), for nearly 17 years. I started my journey in 2003 as a Healthcare Apprentice (Level 2), after which I was offered a fulltime post working in The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. Since then I have gone from strength to strength working in NHS Trusts and now, I’m working as a Service Lead in BCHC. Working for the NHS and BCHC in particular has been very rewarding and has offered many opportunities.
This is my story so far...
Therapy Assistant
I realised that my particular interest was in reahabilition and so I decided to apply for an NVQ3, where I could become a Therapy Assistant.
Assistant Practitioner
At this point in my career I had set my sights on completing the Assistant Practitioner course to become an Assistant Practitioner, I then worked at the ROH for a couple of years and then applied for a similar post in BCHC.
Degree | Level 6
I left the NHS to complete my Physiotherapy Degree at university. A new Physiotherapy Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6) was launched in 2019 and if that had been available I would have applied as my preference is to learn whilst in work.
Physiotherapist
After completing the Physiotherapy Degree I began my rotational experience in a variety of areas whilst working as a Physiotherapist.
Physiotherapist
I obtained a Rotational Physiotherapy post, where I could specialise in neurology and attend several post graduate modules to hone my skills as an Independent Practitioner.
Masters Degree | Level 7
After a year or so I managed to secure a post as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner where I studied at Masters level on ACP training over 3 years, part-time, as I gained further experience including my particular interest in patient safety.
Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) | Level 7
At this point in my career I realised that I wanted to become a leader and maybe enter into senior management so I was able to pursue my aim by embarking on a part-time Management qualification.
Service Manager
I then felt I had the necessary experience and qualifications to become an AHP leader and applied for and obtained a Service Manager post.
What does the future hold?
I am now a Band 8a and I am considering my long-term goals. My aim is to become a Clinical Director and perhaps one day, I might become a Chief Executive of a Trust. Working in the NHS has provided me with many opportunities to succeed and further my personal development. I have benefitted from supported learning and used my wealth of experience and self-motivation to continue to pursue learning goals that improve patient care.