This International Nurses’ Day, we’re sharing the story of Jennifer Terrey, an apprentice nurse at Hampshire Hospitals, who has taken every challenge thrown her way in life in her stride.
For Jennifer, every challenge and detour in her life has brought her closer to fulfilling a dream held since childhood: becoming a fully qualified nurse.
“I fell pregnant with my eldest child aged 19 and thoroughly enjoyed being a new mum. While I worked a few different sales jobs during this time, I knew that it wasn’t the long-term career option I’d always hoped for. From a young age, I’d always wanted to be a nurse.”
A conversation with a friend then caused Jennifer to take a leap of faith in her pursuit of her dream. Hearing about the positive experience her friend had had on placement on the gynaecology ward at Hampshire Hospitals, she decided to apply for a healthcare assistant role at the Trust. She loved it so much, she’s stayed in that role for 14 years! 
With her skillset and experience growing working as a healthcare assistant, Jennifer took the next step and enrolled in an adult nursing degree apprenticeship through BPP, in partnership with Hampshire Hospitals.
But before being able to start her course in 2018, Jennifer suffered a stroke, and she was forced to press pause on her plans and career ambitions.
“After I had a stroke, suddenly my career plans and hopes to do an apprenticeship were delayed. The support I received from my colleagues at Winchester Hospital during this time was invaluable.
“Whilst recovering from the effects of the stroke, I gradually was able to return to work and by December 2020, I felt I was fully fit enough to apply for my degree apprenticeship. Thankfully I managed to secure a place on the course by March 2021 and I haven’t looked back since.
“I do still feel the effects of mild expressive dysphasia, which means it can be difficult to articulate what I want to say. But this makes having dedicated time out from the theoretical and placement aspects of the apprenticeship even more valuable.”
Whilst prioritising her recovery, as a mother of two, Jennifer has had to also balance flexibility and financial security. The nursing apprenticeship programme and support from loved ones and her colleagues ensured this was possible. 
“The flexibility that the apprenticeship offers me is second to none. With having children, it’s fundamental that I strike the right work/life balance, and this is exactly what I’m able to do daily. This is even more important with my eldest having Autism and ADHD.
“Having children also means that I have financial responsibilities, so continuing to receive wages while I study gives me some much-needed peace of mind.
“I also absolutely love the Anthony Letchworth Unit that I work within at Winchester Hospital, both the people and the place – they have been so wonderful while I have been studying and after my stroke. The apprenticeship means I can stay within this unit and truly feel like I’m giving back to the place that has been so fundamental on my own career path.
“Doing an apprenticeship opens so many doors, and I’d encourage anyone at any age or level who may be considering one to just take the plunge. You might just end up surprising yourself!”
