Meet our new registered nursing associates
We’re delighted to announce that Abigail King and Shelley Fazackerley have recently qualified as registered nursing associates after completing two-year apprenticeships with Milestones.
Abigail and Shelley represent our first cohort of trainee nursing associates, a paid role which combines work-based learning and academic study. For the past two years, they have worked closely with our nursing staff and frontline support teams, developing their clinical skills and gaining invaluable experience in care settings. Alongside this, they have completed a programme of study at the University of the West of England (UWE).
Now that they’ve passed their exams, Abigail and Shelley have registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Qualifying as registered nursing associates gives them the opportunity to work towards becoming registered nurses.
Abigail said:
“I feel excited to start my new career as a nursing associate, and I’m looking forward to using the skills I’ve learnt to help improve the lives of people we support.
It was nice to have Shelley, the other trainee nursing associate, training alongside me. She was a great support and we helped each other out. If anyone else is considering becoming a trainee nursing associate, I’d say go for it! I’m a practical learner so working throughout suited me and meant I could learn new skills on the job. It’s a great route to take to get into nursing.”
Shelley said:
“Working alongside the Trust’s nurses, particularly the nurses at 121 Watley’s End Road, was an interesting experience and enabled me to develop my skills. I am looking forward to my future career and developing my skills further. I was grateful to be able to complete the nursing associate apprenticeship alongside Abi – she was my rock throughout and helped to make it a positive experience.”
Our Clinical Nurse Advisor Beka Wilkins said:
“A massive congratulations to Abi and Shelley on this well-earned achievement. You’ve done it!
This is an exciting time for our new registered nursing associates. Abi and Shelley will now embark on the next stage of their nursing career with The Open University, working towards becoming registered learning disabilities nurses. Watching their progress this far has been a joy.
A second heartfelt thank you to the teams within the services who have supported Abi and Shelley through their two years of training. I know this support has been invaluable.”