Nursing
From Apprentice to Specialist: Sarah’s Evolution in Eye Care
Meet Sarah, Medical Retina Nurse Specialist who work in our Eye unit at UHS.
What is your role and what does your role entail?
I work in the Southampton Eye Unit as a Medical Retina Nurse Specialist. During my normal working week, I have 4 sessions in the Medical Retina Suite injecting patients' eyes with sight-preserving medication, seeing patients in the clinic with the consultants and doctors, assist the grading of scans from our virtual clinics and contacting patients at home to offer support understanding of eye condition and treatment plans.
When did you start your apprenticeship and what was your background?
I started my apprenticeship with the Open University in 2018 and qualified as a registered nurse in 2021. In 2009 I joined the Ophthalmology team as a band 3 Senior Health Care Assistant after completing NVQ2 and 3 in health and social care at college. Before working at University Hospital Southampton I worked as a care assistant at a dementia care home.
What training and development have you had during your time at UHS?
I completed a foundation degree in Health and Social Care at Solent University in 2014 and, Nursing Degree/Apprenticeship in 2021.
What is the overall team environment like?
Everyone I have met at UHS has been caring and helpful, from teachers and students on training days to the team of nurses I get ready in the changing room each morning!! The Eye Unit has a real family feel to it. Everyone in the team is so supportive of each other, that nothing is too much trouble.
Why did you choose an Apprenticeship rather than more ‘traditional’ routes such as university?
When I finished school, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I just wanted to work and earn money and socialise with my friends. I didn’t settle down properly until I was in my early 20s and had never thought I would be clever enough to become a nurse. I choose an apprenticeship route because it allowed me to continue working for UHS in a department I loved, still earn money, and learn at the same time.
Before joining UHS, what appealed to you?• Before joining UHS, what appealed to you?
A family member encouraged me to apply to UHS after completing NVQ’s 2 and 3. It was a frightening thought at the time, I didn’t think I would have the skills to be considered but the team used the skills I had and in turn, taught me a brand-new set of skills to go with them.
What do you feel is world-class at UHS?
The fact that patients and families are UHS’s top priority, our research departments are outstanding, the eye unit is one of the best in the UK, and the education and training are amazing.
What are your favourite benefits of working at UHS?
Southampton is a great place to live, near to new forest. Support during cost-of-living crisis- reduced food in the canteen and support fund. The education and family feel.
Is there a moment of working on an apprenticeship that made you feel proud that you joined UHS?
During all of my placements, I felt so proud to get to know the individual teams. The work they do in each area is remarkable. Their knowledge and commitment are amazing. The UHS is full of hardworking and committed teams that make me feel proud being part of UHS.
What support have you had from your mentors, colleagues and UHS?
Everyone I came across before and after the apprenticeship have been nothing but supportive. The education lead in the eye unit has been amazing. She supported me through my preceptorship and still offers guidance and support now. My manager is brilliant, I feel I can be open and honest and value the advice and knowledge they share with me. My previous manager is still very supportive of me. My colleagues old and new continue to be a great support. The team feeling has never gone away.
