“I’m a Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA), which is a new support role at the Trust introduced by Health Education England last year - created to sit alongside existing healthcare support workers and qualified registered nurses.

“From a young age I have always had a keen interest in caring for people but due to the lack of appropriate qualifications I always assumed it would be impossible to pursue a career in nursing - so instead I started my career working for an insurance company!

“That changed when I was successfully appointed as a healthcare assistant at York Hospital where I worked for three years in various departments, before finally working in the Emergency Department.  I knew from the moment I started as a healthcare assistant that I wanted to progress my nursing career further, so when the opportunity to apply for a TNA role came about I don’t think twice - and I haven’t looked back since.

 “The TNA programme is a two-year course which includes a mixture of ward and community based learning, academic study at University of York, with support tutors and mentors.  I am currently on placement in the Urgent Care Centre at York Hospital, which I love, where I will be for four months before rotating to a new department.  The fantastic part of the programme is that I get to experience all aspects of nursing, both in hospital and in the community.  Once fully qualified next year I will be able to support registered nurses with a range of duties - which just a few years ago I wouldn’t have believed possible.

“When asked what I love most about my job, it is impossible to pinpoint anyone thing.  I can say that when I make a difference to a patient’s life while they are on their hospital journey, and to see a smile and get a thank you, is an incredibly rewarding feeling.  I am immensely proud to work for the NHS and working here has made me see life in a whole new perspective, as well as helping me realise what great things I am capable of and can achieve.

“The best pieces of advice I have been given is ‘there is no such thing as can’t’ and ‘nothing is ever impossible’.  These quotes have a lot of meaning for me, and while training as a TNA so many members of staff, including my mentors, have said there will be times when you feel like giving up but it will all be worth it in the end.  And they right are - it already is.”