NHS worker Samantha Wileman has been brushing up on her skills online with Cardiff and Vale College during lockdown to help her progress in her career with the health service.
Samantha, a Senior Theatre Assistant at Llandough Hospital, is part of a close-knit team safeguarding the health and care of every patient who visits her theatre for their procedures. “Being able to reassure and put people at ease is just half the battle,” she said.
During the Covid-19 outbreak Samantha’s role has seen a lot of change, and she spent a couple of months working the hospital’s Medical Emergency Response Incident Team with patients who were extremely ill, intubating them and transferring them to the University Hospital of Wales.
“I am now back in Theatres, scrub working and dealing with hand trauma,” Samantha said. “Since lockdown there have been a lot of DIY injuries!”
Samantha is also looking to update her skills to progress in the NHS.
“There are many opportunities to do other course to improves my career,” she explains. “I did my GCSEs a long time ago – my grades are not that bad but the goalposts are ever-changing in the NHS.”
Currently studying a Numeracy course with CAVC which is online and, prior to lockdown, had sessions in Ely Hub, Samantha was also hoping to take City and Guilds Essential Skills Wales Level 2 Communication. However, as this cannot be completed online her tutors suggested she take an Agored Communication course to prepare for when she can enrol on the Level 2.
“I’ve been nominated for the flexible route Nursing degree and updating my skills gives me a better chance,” Samantha said. “I need to complete Level 2 English by September to be accepted onto the course or I’ll have to wait 12 months.
“So, I’m doing the Agored version to keep up with my skills and to get my head around online learning as this is very new to me. I found out about it through my Maths tutor, Sue Tweedale.
“She has been a great help and support. Communication Lecturer Debbie Rogers has been very supportive too and I’m really enjoying the course.”
Although Samantha admits to be being unused to online learning, she has been getting to grips with it with the support of her tutors.
“I’m finding the course very helpful indeed,” she said. “Trying to break old habits is hard but the online learning has been surprisingly enjoyable.
“Trying to fit in full time, work homeschool for my daughter and work alongside my husband’s hours has been a juggling act, but with my online course I have managed to find time to complete tasks.”
Samantha has also enjoyed her experience of learning with Cardiff and Vale College.
“The support from the tutors has been amazing,” Samantha said. “I enjoyed the Hub sessions as well, as I do like social interaction with people.”
If you are interested in taking one of CAVC’s Adult Basic Education courses to help you progress at work, or simply brush up on your skills, you can register for the College’s Virtual Open Day and apply online here.