My name is Rebecca Conlon, and I am employed by Positive Individual Proactive Support (PIPS), where I’ve worked for the past eight years. I obtained my Learning Disability Nursing qualification via an apprenticeship route, which was offered and funded by PIPS. I initially completed an Access Foundation Degree (Nursing Associate), followed by an additional two years of study to become a Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse.

I was first drawn to health care because PIPS’ values aligned closely with my own. I began my career as a support worker with limited knowledge and experience, but I was eager to learn. At that time, my main aspiration was to ensure the individuals I supported had a good and positive day. As I progressed, my passion for supporting personal development and helping people work towards long-term goals grew stronger. I realised I wanted to advance into a senior support worker role to have greater input in decision-making and to continue advocating fiercely for vulnerable individuals, ensuring their holistic needs were met.

Encouraged by the service manager at PIPS, I applied for the Nursing Associate Foundation Degree apprenticeship. Shortly after starting, I naturally progressed into a senior support worker role while completing my training. I thoroughly enjoyed the structure of the apprenticeship, learning theory at university and applying it directly in the workplace.

Management at PIPS were consistently supportive. They ensured I had sufficient study days to complete assignments and prepare for exams. My clinical placements were well-planned, relevant, and engaging, allowing me to gain new skills and insights across different settings. I also benefited from having experienced registered nurses within PIPS who were approachable and willing to discuss and clarify my learning. Throughout my four years at university, I was encouraged by my colleagues and able to have meaningful conversations about my learning, providing clear rationales for decisions.

As I developed professionally, I became more involved in best interest discussions, legal proceedings, and multi-disciplinary meetings. What helped me most in progressing from support worker to nurse was the combination of hands-on experience during placements and the theoretical knowledge gained through study and research.

Upon graduating as a registered learning disability nurse, I was offered a promotion to deputy team manager for one of our services. Since then, I’ve continued to learn and apply my knowledge in practice. My confidence now shines through in every aspect of my role, and my experiences have enabled me to teach and lead others effectively, ultimately improving the quality of life for the people we support.

I approach situations using the nursing process and can critically review and solve problems. I’m proud of how I’ve applied my skills in my new role, but what I’m most proud of is the positive impact I’ve had on people’s lives, empowering them and supporting them to achieve milestones that others may have thought impossible. More than being proud of myself, I’m proud of those I’ve helped and feel privileged to have been part of their journey.

I consider myself very fortunate to have been given this opportunity and am deeply grateful for the support I received from PIPS, from that first conversation about applying, to qualifying four years later. I would encourage anyone who thrives on helping others to pursue a nursing career in social care. It is the most rewarding and wholesome job I’ve ever had, and my only regret is not pursuing it sooner.