Caring for all, dispensing wisdom: hospital-based careers

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Bethany's story

Bethany chose vocational education because she is a 'hands on learner' and wanted to learn about nursing by looking after patients, rather than by reading textbooks. Meanwhile, Jason followed a vocational route to becoming a hospital pharmacist.

Bethany I work at Ward 32 at Barnsley Hospital. I commenced my nursing career when I was 16 and did my level 2 and level 3 NVQs in Acute Ward Nursing.I then went on to the University of Sheffield and did the ADNS [Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies] course.I chose to do my vocational training when I was 16 because I'm more of a 'hands on' learner, and I wanted to do the job rather than learn though textbooks. I wanted to learn the job through actually caring for patients.I found vocational training a very good grounding for my future career. It gave me two extra years learning the fundamentals of nursing care and being able to care for a patient in a ward environment before I went on to the university.If you are considering a career in nursing I feel this path is an excellent choice for you.When I was a little girl I always dreamt of being a nurse and that is what I'm doing now: looking after patients, caring for people and making them better.Anthea My name is Anthea Ingman. I'm the Vocational Training Manager for Barnsley Hospital Apprenticeship Programme. Through the Apprenticeship Programme, we offer young people an opportunity to gain qualifications in a real life-working situation. For people looking at nursing as a career this gives them an insight into the role of the nurse before they commit themselves to the nurse education programme.JasonI'm Jason and I work in the pharmacy department at Barnsley Hospital.I have 8 GCSEs, a BTEC HNC in Pharmaceutical Science and an A level.I'm also a specialist in anti-coagulation.When I was at school I decided to do the vocational route and go out to work. I could still do qualifications by going to college one day a week. What I did suited my style of learning because I preferred to do assignments rather than sit formal examinations.When I first came into pharmacy I thought I was going to be dispensing prescriptions all day. However, doors opened for me and in 2002 I won the Hospital Pharmacy Technician of the Year Award, which enabled me to share my ideas over in America.

Bethany

I work at Ward 32 at Barnsley Hospital. I commenced my nursing career when I was 16 and did my level 2 and level 3 NVQs in Acute Ward Nursing.

I then went on to the University of Sheffield and did the ADNS [Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies] course.

I chose to do my vocational training when I was 16 because I'm more of a 'hands on' learner, and I wanted to do the job rather than learn though textbooks. I wanted to learn the job through actually caring for patients.

I found vocational training a very good grounding for my future career. It gave me two extra years learning the fundamentals of nursing care and being able to care for a patient in a ward environment before I went on to the university.

If you are considering a career in nursing I feel this path is an excellent choice for you.

When I was a little girl I always dreamt of being a nurse and that is what I'm doing now: looking after patients, caring for people and making them better.

Anthea

My name is Anthea Ingman. I'm the Vocational Training Manager for Barnsley Hospital Apprenticeship Programme.

Through the Apprenticeship Programme, we offer young people an opportunity to gain qualifications in a real life-working situation. For people looking at nursing as a career this gives them an insight into the role of the nurse before they commit themselves to the nurse education programme.

Jason

I'm Jason and I work in the pharmacy department at Barnsley Hospital.

I have 8 GCSEs, a BTEC HNC in Pharmaceutical Science and an A level.

I'm also a specialist in anti-coagulation.

When I was at school I decided to do the vocational route and go out to work. I could still do qualifications by going to college one day a week. What I did suited my style of learning because I preferred to do assignments rather than sit formal examinations.

When I first came into pharmacy I thought I was going to be dispensing prescriptions all day. However, doors opened for me and in 2002 I won the Hospital Pharmacy Technician of the Year Award, which enabled me to share my ideas over in America.