Trainee Nurse Associate (TNA) career story
An interview with Gemma Peffers
"I joined UHDB in October 2006, as a Band 1 Clinical Apprentice on Department of Medicine for the Elderly (DME) Ward 405".
How did you get to your current role?
After completing my first apprenticeship, I progressed on to the level 3 senior support worker diploma, where I found more out about the Trainee Nurse Associate (TNA) role and decide to apply. I started in March 2020.
Did you move across different career paths?
I have always had the ultimate goal of becoming a registered nurse. I wanted on the job training and set out to progress through the various pathways to be able to achieve this.
Did you face any challenges to get to where you are now?
My challenge was work/life balance. As a working mum this will always be a challenge but one that I have managed to successfully maintain.
What do you do now?
As a TNA my role includes providing personal care to patients, taking and monitoring observations, undertaking supervised medication rounds, and dressings and liaising with the multi professional team.
As part of my role I attend university once a week studying for my registered nurse associate degree. I undertake regular placements and insight days with other specialities. I have also had the opportunity to become link tissue viability nurse for my base ward.
What is it about your job that inspires you?
I am inspired everyday by the team around me. Their dedication and passion for patient care is outstanding. You also can’t help but be inspired by the courage, resilience and bravery patients demonstrate when experiencing challenging times.
What is positive to you about working In the NHS?
Working within the NHS has its challenges but the difference you make to peoples lives are immeasurable. UHDB invest in their staff. There are so many progression routes, specialities and careers to explore and the support you receive is amazing.