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Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN), Megan joined Priory in 2016 as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA). In 2021, Megan began a three-year apprenticeship undertaking a mental health nursing degree programme.

Reflecting on what the most challenging part of the apprenticeship was and how she overcame it, Megan said: “The most challenging part for me was my own self-belief… My line manager and all the ward staff were very supportive and encouraging when I need them. I always felt that I had their full support; and they were kind enough to answer any questions I had when experiencing other wards as well as discuss any new theories or practices I discovered during my studies.”

Megan said: “I had been working at the Priory for a while when the option for the apprenticeship first came about. I felt like I was getting ready to leave and move on as I didn’t feel there was anything else for me to gain from my role and I wanted a challenge.”

“I didn’t want to leave though; as I loved the ward and the people I worked with so I was actually in the process of making a really difficult decision.

“I previously attended university when I was 19 and completed two years of a different degree. I knew that I would never be able to return to university as when I looked into it student finance would only pay for two years and the final year would have to be self-funded which was impossible for me. I would also have had to work full time alongside studying which would have caused too much pressure.

“When I first heard about the apprenticeship it was like someone was offering me everything I wanted on a plate. I knew I had to be brave and take it.”

Speaking about her proudest achievement during the apprenticeship she said: “I think the fact that not only did I graduate but also did so with a first class honours, allowed me to prove to myself that I was worth something and finally put old demons to rest.

“I was nominated as Apprentice of the Year in my second year which was something that really shocked me. It was amazing to think that my tutors thought so highly of me.”

Reflecting on what the most challenging part of the apprenticeship was and how she overcame it Megan said: “The most challenging part for me was my own self-belief. Luckily I had lots of support from my peers, the university and my ward.”

Megan also received lots of support from line manager and team. She said: “My line manager and all the ward staff were very supportive and encouraging when I need them. I always felt that I had their full support; and they were kind enough to answer any questions I had when experiencing other wards as well as discuss any new theories or practices I discovered during my studies.”

Now that Megan has completed her apprenticeship she is back on the ward as a nurse and currently growing into her new role. She said: “My love for the area of mental health has returned and I’m loving getting involved in leading patient care and creating tailored care plans for each of my patients. I think the biggest difference for be in the change from HCA to RMN is that now I have a voice with some weight that other professionals will listen too. I feel like I can really fight on my patient’s behalf.”

Megan’s words of advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is: “Do it. I know it seems scary and a big risk – and it is; but have will have such fantastic support from the university and your peers. This kind of opportunity doesn’t come around often. Even though I was so frightened at the beginning (and spent many times crying and stressing out at my Mum) I would have really regretted it if I hadn’t tried at all.”

Whether you’re looking to take your career to the next level, gain new qualifications, or explore a fresh path, apprenticeships can open doors to exciting opportunities. Explore where a role with your local Priory team could take you at – Priory Careers