I’m a Nursing Assistant Practitioner within a Community Learning Disabilities Team. I’ve been in the role for almost 18 months, and the next step of my career progression will be to train as a Learning Disabilities Nurse.

Prior to my AP role I worked as a Healthcare Assistant in the team. When the opportunity arose to apply for an apprenticeship, I knew that this was something which was right for me as part of my personal and professional development.

I have taken a circuitous route to reach where I am today. Over the course of 22 years I have worked in many NHS settings including Forensic Learning Disabilities, Acute Emergency Medicine, Mental Health, Sexual Health and Community Phlebotomy. I found that the skills and knowledge I obtained in these posts were the backbone to where I am today. I use my knowledge with my case load and two specialities I focus on are male sexual/ physical health and blood desensitisation. An integral part of my career path has been the insight into misconceptions and preconceptions when people hear the term “learning disabilities”. I used this insight to educate and advocate the voices of the clients and their families.

My message is that it is never too late to become an apprentice and have a career in the NHS.

I decided I wanted to train as an LD nurse within two years of being in the team. When I was offered the opportunity to undertake the Foundation Degree in Health and Science and the Apprenticeship, part of me thought “Am I too old for this?” The message I would like to bring to this blog is that it is never too late to train. I have started on this path in my early forties. Apprenticeships are an excellent route to training in a career in nursing or other NHS roles. There are no age limits to joining the apprenticeship scheme, and personally I am pleased I did not let my concern about age influence my path.

I chose the career of learning disabilities nursing as I know I can make a difference. I have learnt from fantastic, professional and caring members of my team and I knew that this was a role to aspire to. To be a part of a multi-disciplinary team who all work to the same outcomes for the client is a role I enjoy every day. I wake up in the morning looking forward to the working day and what I can achieve. This is why I want to be a learning disabilities nurse.

For some, in many cases those in the over 40 age group, the thought of academia can be a barrier to further education. I found that there is support out there, both from the education provider and peer groups. I started my Foundation Degree with no idea how to reference or write a paper with a word count. I came away from the course with a newfound confidence in my knowledge and ability to learn. It has also made me want to go on with higher education.

My message is that it is never too late to become an apprentice and have a career in the NHS. For me that career will continue with Learning Disabilities Nursing. The apprenticeship brings so many opportunities and I would highly recommend anyone to take this opportunity to start on a rewarding career path.

Robert Blowers, Nursing Assistant Practitioner
Norwich Community Health and Care Trust NHS