Letitia Taylor

Letitia Taylor joined our Healthcare Support Worker Development (HCSWD) programme with one of our partnered NHS Trusts, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. She has gone on to study Child Nursing at the University of Derby.

 

Letitia’s Story

In October 2015, I joined NHS Professionals (NHSP) as a trainee Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) on one of the first development programmes for the Trust. As a trainee, I started on a respiratory ward at Nottingham City Hospital. I really enjoyed being a part of a specialised team as there were plenty of learning opportunities which enabled me to develop my clinical skills, including Trust courses for bladder scanning, ECGS and venepuncture.

The ward manager and staff were incredibly supportive, working above and beyond, to ensure that once I completed my programme, I had the skills and confidence to work in most areas within the Trust.

 

Completing the HCSWD programme

Once I had completed my programme and achieved my Care Certificate, I was offered permanent contracts for 2 specialised wards. However, I decided to work flexibly with NHSP to explore new areas and I’m really glad that I did as I found my passion for Paediatrics.

Working flexibly between different wards has allowed me to develop my communication skills and develop my knowledge within numerous acute areas. NHSP has always been very supportive throughout, including any queries or training opportunities I wanted to undertake.

 

Becoming a Covid Vaccinator

When the pandemic hit, I thought it would be really hard working within the hospital but the support from staff and NHSP was excellent. They undertook risk assessments to ensure our safety and offered lots of support around mental health and wellbeing. As NHSP had prepared me for the next year ahead, I decided I could do more and opted to support the mass vaccination team as a Band 4 Vaccinator.

 

Starting University for Nursing

In September 2021, I started university to study BSC Hons Child Nursing at the University of Derby. This is my dream course, and it’s truly amazing as I never thought I would have been able to get to university.

Initially, I did have concerns about how I was going to finance going to university as a parent with two children. I was able to put these concerns aside when NHSP advised me I could still work flexibly around my studies. This really influenced my decision on whether I could attend university. I’m still working closely with NHSP and doing shifts around my studies.

Through all the experience and support I’ve had through the HCSWD programme, my Trust, NHSP, I’ve started to make my dream a reality.

 

Advice to new healthcare professionals

My advice to all new starters is to take every learning opportunity provided. The Trust is brilliant on supporting new Healthcare Support Workers and you really will be made part of the team. The HCSW development programme provides the first step into healthcare, opening doors to lots of career paths, where you get to decide how you want to progress. 

Register today

We regularly run our HCSWD programmes throughout the year at a number of our client Trusts. If you are interested in registering to one of our programmes, simply submit your interest today.

 

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