Hartlepool student praises hands-on experience on Stockton hospital's children's ward
A Hartlepool student has praised her “rewarding experience” time after getting hands-on training in a programme to find future NHS staff.
Eighteen-year-old Lucy Skedd, a second-year student at Hartlepool Sixth Form College, has been combining learning in the classroom with a placement on the children’s ward at the University Hospital of North Tees.
It is part of her T Level qualification in healthcare. The course, which is equivalent to three A-levels, focuses on vocational, skill-based learning in a bid to develop the next generation of NHS workers.
Following her placement, Lucy has now set her sights on becoming a children’s nurse, and plans to take a degree at Teesside University in September.
She said: “I’d never been on a children's ward before my placement so I wasn't too sure what to expect.
“It gave me valuable experience and an insight into working with children and their families and really confirmed that children's nursing is the career I want to pursue.
“Healthcare offers the opportunity to support individuals during some of their most challenging moments – it’s been a very meaningful and rewarding experience.”
As part of her placement, Lucy has worked closely with nurses and healthcare assistants on the ward to develop practical skills and confidence in readiness for her exams.
Alyson Thompson, manager of the children’s ward, said: “Lucy has been amazing to have on the ward.
“From day one, you could see that she wanted to be a children’s nurse. She came on the ward with a big smile, already very passionate and keen to learn. She’s been brilliant with all members of the team, and with children and their parents.
“I can’t thank Lucy enough for coming and joining us at North Tees on her journey and we hope she’ll be with us again soon on her uni placements. She’s truly been a treasure to have.”
Students on the T Level course can complete their 315 hour placements with the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool, in a partnership between University Hospitals Tees and three local colleges.
Lucy added: “I would definitely recommend the T Level programme.
“The placement allows you to develop skills, explore different healthcare careers and provides experience that can support applications for university, apprenticeships or healthcare jobs.”