The Chief Nurse at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust has congratulated local students receiving their A Level, T Level or BTEC results today, calling on anyone not sure of their career path to consider joining the NHS through the final remaining healthcare degree places available.
Already this year, 33,560 people in England have applied for a nursing degree, and 7,290 have applied to become a midwife.
Now exam results have been announced, clearing places are available for nursing and midwifery and allied health professionals (AHP’s) and the NHS is reminding students who may be reconsidering their choices that a future in health care could be the life-changing career they’re looking for.
Lianne Robinson, Chief Nurse at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said: “It’s fantastic to see so many young people making the decision to pursue a career in the NHS. Nursing is one of the most rewarding and diverse careers, with over 50 different jobs and specialties that students can look into while studying and after graduating. Midwifery also offers hands-on training with the opportunity to make a real difference to patients’ lives through a range of different placements while learning.
Our allied health professions are also made up of 15 different career opportunities, with everything from being a paramedic to an orthoptist. Studying to be an allied health professional means you get to make a huge difference to people’s lives, every single day.
For those who are still deciding on their next steps or perhaps rethinking their original choices, I would urge you to consider applying for a nursing, midwifery or AHP course through UCAS clearing, and to search NHS nursing careers to find out more.
There are also great career options for anyone who doesn’t want to go to university but would still like a future in health care. Healthcare support worker roles don’t require a degree and give the chance to gain practical on-the-job experience with patients while offering fantastic progression opportunities.”
If you’re interested in working for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, visit the Trust jobs website to find out the latest vacancies and to search career opportunities.
Louise Laughlin and Sophie Lawson are both student midwives at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, studying at Bradford University.
Sophie Lawson is a 2nd year student midwife and lives in Harden.
How did you get to be a student midwife?
“For me it was a long process, at school I didn’t do very well and had to do my English GCSE again and Maths GCSE again. I did them at Bradford College and then I started an Access course at Keighley College for A Level Science. I then applied to Bradford University.
What’s the best bit about being a student midwife?
“Everything! Being with the woman and looking after their baby. My favourite place is Labour Ward. I think it is absolutely amazing what women and their bodies go through and the whole experience. It’s such a rewarding job. I love it.”
What would you say to anyone thinking of being a midwife or starting a career in the NHS?
“If it’s your dream job just do it.”
What’s your day like as a student midwife?
“On the post-natal ward we do observations, we do labour care including fluids and balance charts, making sure the woman is ok, changing her pads, taking cannulas and catheters out and giving breast feeding support. On Labour Ward we are there during the birth and giving care.”
Louise Laughlin, 3rd year student midwife
Louise lives in Keighley and is just about to start her 3rd year as a student midwife. She went to Calder High School.
How did you get to be a student midwife?
“I did an Access to Higher Education and then went to Bradford University after that.”
What’s the best bit about being a student midwife?
“Mainly supporting women. A lot of people think midwifery is about babies but it’s not, it’s about being with the women. Being there for them and watching them go from being a woman to being a mum, it’s really rewarding. You can make a massive difference to their birthing experience.”
What would you say to anyone thinking of being a midwife or a career in the NHS?
“Do it! You might always go backwards and forwards about whether it’s the right choice but its 100% worth it.”
What’s your day like as a student midwife?
“In the first year it’s primarily observational, this year I’ve taken a step forward in taking over care and next year I’ll be looking after my own women, with supervision still, getting ready for that graduation. We do observations, deliver babies and do all the observations on mum and baby after birth. If you are in the community you help mum with all their ante-natal process. There’s a lot of mental health focus now, so we’re supporting women with their mental health too.”
UCAS clearing is now open and prospective students will be able to apply for courses until 21 October. Entry requirements for nursing and midwifery degree courses will vary, but students are advised they will likely need at least two A Levels or equivalent. Contact a university directly to find out what specific qualifications are needed.
Student nurses, midwives and allied health professionals could also be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund and receive at least £5,000 a year.
If you think the NHS could be the career for you, search ‘NHS careers’ to find out more about the range of roles within the NHS and how to apply.
