Heartbeat: COVID no obstacle to committed nursing associates

April 22, 2021

Despite the challenges thrown up by a worldwide pandemic Jenny Hoult and Oneka Berry were determined to complete their training to become nursing associates.

Speaking to Heartbeat, Ward Manager, Avnash Nanra detailed their achievements and said: “Jenny and Oneka have both worked extremely hard from the onset of starting their course and completing it with positive mindsets and an eye to future goals once qualified. I know they are very much looking forward to supporting their nursing colleagues on the wards in their new role. Jenny is based on Priory Ground, and Oneka on Lyndon Ground.

“The training process took over two years, and although COVID-19 interrupted their training, nevertheless they both worked through the pandemic to complete practical sessions on their base wards alongside their external placement sessions, whilst attending university (virtually) and completing their assignments.

“Both have utilised new skills on the wards and have also been teaching their nursing colleagues good practice to benefit their clinical areas. During COVID-19, they were redeployed to adult wards, with Jenny moving to Lyndon 2 and Oneka to ITU.

“They both exemplify what we look for in nursing associates, being committed, hardworking, with good communication skills and team work. They have excelled in demonstrating their compassionate and caring natures, with the drive to succeed and ability to easily share their own knowledge and skills.”

Jenny added: “I have worked for the Trust for 19 years, starting in the children’s outpatients department at City. I always wanted a career with children. After a year I moved to D9 paediatric surgical ward, where I enjoyed working as an auxiliary nurse.

“After being a HCA (with NVQ level 3) for 16-17 years, I felt I needed to progress further. I was always asking questions about why things were done certain ways, as I felt I needed to understand every clinical duty. Having worked with some amazing nurses over the years, I have seen what makes a great nurse. So to make a good nurse associate, I believe you need to be confident in your practice, but never afraid to ask for help. Be a good team player, support other staff of all grades, and be able to raise concerns. Most importantly, you need to put the patient needs first and provide an excellent service.

Cheryl Newton, Group Director of Nursing – Women and Child Health, 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.”