A 58-year-old who wants to “give something back” to the NHS has graduated with first class honours after taking the apprenticeship route to becoming a registered nurse.
Annette Walklate has achieved a BSc in Nursing Practice (Adult) on completion of a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA) course at Staffordshire University.
The degree qualifies her to work in the critical care unit at the Royal Stoke University Hospital where her father received life-saving care after being in a road traffic collision.
“Without an apprenticeship I would definitely not be where I am now,” said Annette, pictured above, who lives in Lightwood, Stoke-on-Trent. “The RNDA course has allowed me to fulfil my dream of giving something back to critical care.
“Apprenticeship schemes make it possible for you to do your learning while you are still being paid a salary.
“For my RNDA I did two days a week studying and the remaining hours on placements in the health service.
“The apprenticeship has helped me with my confidence and helped me to achieve my goals. I am very proud of what I have achieved and will be wearing my blue uniform with immense pride.”
Annette was supported in her studies by the University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust where she works.
She had previously studied for a two-year Foundation Degree in Acute Care at Staffordshire University for which she could study in parallel with her job as a healthcare assistant, on day release.
In the past she has suffered a number of family bereavements and was deeply grateful to medical staff for looking after her relatives before they died.
She wanted to become a fully-qualified registered nurse to show her gratitude but knew she would never be able to afford to dip out of her job and take a full nursing degree.
Annette is looking forward to attending the graduation ceremony in July.
Daily Focus shared her story ahead of National Apprenticeship Week in February, and she then went to on be featured on the BBC.
Many congratulations Annette. You should feel very proud of yourself achieving such great result. I’m sure you will be a great asset in your future career.