Former healthcare assistants become nurse associates at Compton Care
Two former healthcare assistants who work at Compton Care have celebrated after passing their courses.
Hayley Webber-Waterfield and Jodie Webb completed a two-year foundation degree to become the charity's first nurse associates.
It means they will be able to support the Wolverhampton hospice's nursing team by administering medication and tending to wounds.
Mrs Webber-Waterfield said: "I decided to become a Nurse Associate because I wanted to further my education and career.
"The training has enabled me to remain at Compton Care over the last two years as an apprentice and therefore continue to support myself and my family financially.
"I wanted to combine my compassion for others, experience, knowledge and education into a role where I could bring quality care to patients and their loved ones.
"During the training, I spent one day each week at the University of Wolverhampton where we I had lectures covering topics such as principles of nursing care.
"The remainder of my time was spent on Compton Care’s inpatient unit where I received fantastic support from my colleagues who helped me achieve my new role.
"The apprenticeship has highlighted nursing care is not just about having clinical skills but also about holding good communication skills to be an effective team member as well as an advocate for patients and their loved ones, making sure they are always heard and remain the very centre of our care."
The pair have spent a total of 675 hours on placement within various care settings – including supporting district nurses and working with the tissue viability team at Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.
The training included hands-on experience and learning in the classroom – with graduates being officially registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Miss Webb added: “I have always wanted to be a nurse and this opportunity has enabled me to learn new skills and become one step closer to the next stage in my career.
"Being a nurse associate at Compton Care and the support that I have received from everyone working on our In-patient unit and also within other departments has given me new confidence and knowledge.
"I work with an amazing team and coming to work each day to provide care for patients here at Compton Care is a pleasure."
