A NEW group of nursing students has joined Great Western Hospital’s workforce as part of a two-year training programme.

Nursing associate is a relatively new role in the NHS and provides an alternative route to becoming a registered practitioner.

The 16 students will have academic training alongside working in clinical environments.

Natalie Haines, 23, a second-year trainee student working in orthopaedics, said: “The NA course has been extremely challenging but very exciting.

“Being able to learn and develop in my home placement of orthopaedics has been very rewarding.

"I've loved both of my external placements. I did six weeks on the children’s ward, which was amazing, and six weeks with the Swindon Intensive Team, where I did a community mental health placement.

“The university side is exciting. I have learnt lots about general nursing clinical skills during days in the labs.

“I had been a healthcare assistant, but when the NA came up, I went for it. It was something new and helped me to progress in my career.

"As the course is so broad, it gives you the ability to go anywhere once qualified.”

The programme is open for those who decided to change career paths.

Andrea Watson, 46, started her healthcare career in the Royal Air Force.

She said: “The opportunity to study was one that excited me and my colleagues are very supportive of my desire to learn.

“It hasn’t always been easy returning to study after such a long time, but the university staff are great, and there is lots of support available.”