Emma’s Apprenticeship Journey to a Distinction

Hi, my name is Emma and I work for the Cancer Service Department as a Patient Pathway Coordinator at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. I completed my Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship with Blue Sky and achieved a distinction!

 

        What does your role involve?

My role as a Patient Pathway Coordinator is to manage a patient’s journey. This is for patients that have been referred in on to a two week wait cancer pathway from their GP. I make sure appointments, investigations and treatments are booked in a timely fashion and chase any dates that have not been booked. I record and document the patient’s journey on to the Cancer Database, which is then uploaded to the National Cancer Database for England.

 

        What was the apprenticeship process like?

The overall process of the apprenticeship was very simple to follow. You are given a clear milestone for assignments to be finished by; the assignments are tailored towards your own work format. The online portfolio was easy to use, once I was used to the layout. If you have any problems the Blue Sky team are on hand to help out. With the support of face to face progress reviews and regular skype calls, the whole process was made very easy and if I had any problems my Assessor, Lou, was always on hand to offer advice and support.

 

        What is the best thing you’ve learnt?

The best thing I have learnt from doing this apprenticeship is that if you put your mind to it you can achieve anything. There were plenty of times I didn’t think I was going to finish, and I am amazed at how much work I have done and how far I have come. I definitely have come out of this apprenticeship with more faith and confidence in what I can achieve.

 

        What are you most proud about?

I haven’t been in any kind of education for some time, so for me achieving the BA Level 3 and getting a distinction was something I didn’t think was possible; I have proven to myself that anything is possible as long as you put the hard work in.

 

        What would your advice be for those considering an apprenticeship?

Firstly consider the type of apprenticeship you are interested in, and then sign up. It’s definitely worth doing as it gives you the opportunity to improve yourself and opens up more job opportunities and choices. Try to not get too overwhelmed at the start as there is quite a lot to take in, but don’t be frightened to ask your Assessor/ Development Advisor, or any member of the Blue Sky team, if you have any queries or questions.

                    

        What are your next learning steps?

Within the role I have gained a wealth of knowledge, and by achieving the BA Level 3 goes towards understanding a wider range of knowledge within the business. This has stood me in a better position and made me a more rounded candidate for any interesting job opportunities that may arise.

 

I would like to say a massive thankyou to Lou and the Blue Sky team for all the help and support you have given me through my time doing this apprenticeship.

 

Emma
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn

Published 06/11/2020 & Filed in Blue Sky Blog