Hayley is a Nursing Associate Apprentice at Coventry University

“I know how important nursing is as a nurse gave me my life back.

I was in and out of hospital for a few years, getting different treatments but with no diagnosis until I was reviewed by an Advanced Nurse Practitioner who got me the right diagnostic surgery for my conditions.

Before that I had no idea of the impact that one person could make.

I kept seeing a banner outside the hospital that said ‘we need nurses’ and every time I passed the message hit a little bit deeper. So, I gave up my job, sold my car and joined an access to nursing course.

I did the first year of a nursing degree, but I couldn’t afford to finish due to my bills, children and responsibilities, which was heart-breaking. When the Nursing Associates apprenticeship course came out it was a godsend. It gave me the opportunity to work, earn a wage, learn and get a nursing qualification.”