Taking the next step to nursing - celebrating National Apprenticeship Week
Debbie Coles is a nursing degree apprentice from Exeter studying at the University of Plymouth’s Exeter School of Nursing. Joining the NHS in 2003, she worked her way up through diplomas and, after 10 years as an assistant practitioner, applied for the registered nurse degree apprenticeship via Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust. Never believing she’d get in, she’s now just months away from graduating.
“I’d completed a higher national diploma during my time in the NHS,”Debbie said. “And I saw the apprenticeship opportunity on the hospital website. I thought, ‘I’m too old for this, who would want me? I’m not even sure I am capable’ and the deadline was quite tight too, so I didn’t expect to get in. But I was ecstatic to be accepted.
“My previous qualifications meant I started the degree in year two, and being subject to various national COVID-19 restrictions at the time, the majority of teaching was online. I quickly had to learn how to use video calls and various other resources on top of utilising study skills. Thankfully I was well supported and I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the academic results I’ve been able to achieve. I’m definitely more of a critical thinker than I realised!”
With placements a key part of the degree, Debbie has experienced community nursing, working on an endocrine ward, and mental health unit.
“Everything has been completely eye-opening,” she said. “You have an idea of what you think something will be, and it’s rarely the case. The people I’ve met and learnt from, patients and staff alike, have been inspiring.
“Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Plymouth have been so supportive, and I’ve had some really impactful experiences. This is honestly the most amazing thing I’ve ever done. To think I’ll have a degree decades after leaving school is something I’m immensely proud of. I know I’ve got a few months left before graduating but with my work ethic and experience, I’ll do it. I’m lucky enough to have already secured a job in day surgery at Royal Devon & Exeter’s Heavitree Hospital, and I can’t wait to get started.”
The University of Plymouth is one of the largest providers in the country of nursing degree apprenticeships, and was the first in South West to deliver the registered nurse degree apprenticeship.
See the full list of apprenticeships offered on the University website https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/apprenticeships
