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Bank Manager turned Nurse at Nottingham University Hospitals appointed as National Trainee and Registered Nursing Associate Ambassador for Health Education England
When Monica Korpal’s husband was diagnosed with cancer, she was triggered to give something back to the NHS, specifically Nottingham University Hospitals where she has been treated for over 40 years for a rare blood disorder, leaving her in need of two units of blood every three weeks.
Monica swapped her suit for scrubs and enrolled on the FdSc Training Nursing Associate Apprenticeship course at the University of Derby, which included a 30 hour a week work placement at Nottingham City Hospital.
The Training Nursing Associate Apprenticeship allows people like Monica, (who are established on another career route) to change paths; potentially later in life that they thought impossible, whilst still being employed and earning. The apprenticeship also helps those who might not be able to access other more traditional routes into nursing, such as Undergraduate degree courses.
Speaking of the apprenticeship, Monica says:
“The opportunity given by Nottingham University Hospitals and the University of Derby has been life changing. It’s allowed me to be able to earn whilst I learn and has now opened doors to national representation of a role that I’m so passionate about.”
Recently appointed as National Trainee and Registered Nursing Associate Ambassador for NHS Health Education England (HEE), Monica achieved a first class in all of her modules to complete her apprenticeship, as well as thriving in her practical, hands-on work across all four fields of nursing and various clinical areas across Nottingham University Hospitals. Monica was also awarded the NHS HEE Inspirational Apprentice award in 2019, as well as the University of Derby Dean’s Award in 2019.
Speaking of her new national appointment as ambassador, she says:
‘The Trainee/ Registered Nursing Associate National Ambassador role will give me the opportunity to reach out to Nursing Associates around England and share best practice, hints and tips to complete the programme and most importantly share my passion for a role that is evolving with each cohort.”
Also part of Nottingham University Hospitals BAME Shared Governance Council and Staff Network, Monica hopes that her journey will inspire others who think they’ve ‘missed the boat’ or those who didn’t have access to the more traditional routes into nursing.
Nottingham University Hospitals Trust is thrilled for Monica on her achievements and thank her for her continued contribution to our team, our patients, and the healthcare profressionals of the future.