Heartbeat: Next stop nursing associate!
June 18, 2021
The past 12 months have challenged us as individuals and as an organisation. They have also stretched us and shown just how resilient we are when faced with a challenge, the kind of challenge we’ve never known before. Amid everything that has gone on, colleagues have still found ways to continue to grow in their careers – one such person is Oneka Berry, who recently became a nursing associate.
Oneka told us: “I have been working for the Trust for six years as a health care assistant, on Lyndon ground as part of the paediatric ward. I have always enjoyed working with children and families. I felt the NHS would give me more opportunity within that field, so that’s why I chose to expand my career and become a nursing associate.
“Becoming a nursing associate seemed like a good fit for me. I wanted to progress within that area, but for me, it’s more than just that. A good nursing associate has many qualities, but the six values known as the 6cs of nursing are the most important. These values include care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment.”
Oneka explained that becoming a nursing associate took two years in total. “As you can imagine, COVID-19 impacted our studying as it has done with so many things. We had to take a three-month break in learning very close to qualifying, but that didn’t stop us from finishing the course.”
Speaking of the highlight of this whole process, Oneka said: “Obtaining my PIN. Without a doubt, this was my number one highlight. Receiving my personal registration number meant I had completed the course, and it’s a compulsory part of working in the nursing profession in the UK.”
So what has Oneka been working on since qualifying on as a nursing associate? She explained: “I’m continuing my current role within paediatrics, however currently, I have been redeployed to ITU to help support in that area. I hope to continue working within the paediatrics department and to continue my career within the Trust.
Ward Manager, Avnash Nanra, said: “Oneka, along with her colleague, Jenny worked extremely hard from the onset of starting their course. I know they are very much looking forward to supporting their nursing colleagues on the wards in their new role and wish them all the best.”
Cheryl Newton, Group Director of Nursing – Women and Child Health, previously remarked: “I am extremely proud of both Jenny and Oneka’s achievements, particularly during the last 12 months during the pandemic. The team are looking forward to them starting their roles as nursing associates within the paediatric wards.”