The Three Degrees
Three of our Palliative Care Support Workers have graduated as nurses having completed a four-year degree course.
Jodie Paskell says the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship qualification has given her “a fantastic opportunity to make a difference to patients and their families”.
Jodie, along with Kiah Morgan and Jodie Johnson, began the Open University course back in 2022, and have now joined the Nursing and Midwifery Council register.
Supported by St Michael’s, their course combined work at St Michael’s with placements in a variety of care settings, plus extensive study.
“I’ve encountered a few challenges over the four years,” Jodie Paskell added. “However, with support from senior management at the Hospice, we have turned these challenges into opportunities. I’m forever grateful for the wealth of knowledge and expertise my mentors have shared with me.”
The three graduates have now returned to St Michael’s; Kiah on our Inpatient Unit, and the two Jodie’s out in the community.
“It has been an honour to support Jodie, Kiah and Jodie,” said Debbie Smithers, Lead Teacher/Practitioner at St Michael’s.
“They have shared their wealth of palliative care knowledge with many other healthcare professionals across Herefordshire, attaining the skills required to become a Registered Nurse. They have now rejoined the team here at the Hospice in this role.
“The hospice is fully committed to supporting staff to enhance their careers, and this is a clear reminder of how that can be achieved.
“They will continue to be supported as they develop in their roles as nurses, and will offer guidance to others who are considering this career for themselves.”
Debbie says the qualification is a “particularly proud moment”, coming as she celebrates 43 years since starting her own nurse training.
“The milestone has led me to reflect how St Michael’s has supported my career development since 1989, and still sees this as a priority for the future,” she added.
NHS England has supported the apprenticeship training, and provided some backfill costs. Wye Valley NHS Trust, meanwhile, provided Apprenticeship Levy monies to cover the university fees, and supported student placements.