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Abigail Turner, a dedicated skin cancer clinical health nurse specialist at University Hospitals Dorset and a BU student on the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice Apprenticeship program, was nominated for the prestigious Dorset Apprenticeship Awards 2024.

The nomination was in recognition of how her journey through her apprenticeship has significantly enhanced her clinical skills and advanced her career. 

She began her apprenticeship in June 2022. The three-year course is accredited by Health Education England’s (HEE) Centre for Advancing Practice and is designed to support the development of Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Clinical Practitioners. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical experience, providing Abigail with the comprehensive training needed to excel in her role. 

Reflecting on her apprenticeship, Abigail said, "In terms of clinical skills, the apprenticeship has opened up so many doors. I can now take comprehensive health histories, conduct physical examinations, and prescribe treatments independently, which I couldn't do before. This has been incredibly empowering and has significantly boosted my confidence" . 

As an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Abigail has gained a high level of autonomy and freedom to make decisions about patient care, working effectively in complex and unpredictable situations. She employs person-centered approaches to take detailed patient histories, examines body systems, and selects or requests appropriate clinical tests to aid diagnosis. Abigail’s skills have expanded to include initiating and evaluating interventions such as prescribing medicines, therapies, and care to enhance her patients' care and experience. 

Since starting her apprenticeship she has achieved a promotion in her nursing job by developing her clinical and leadership skills. "The apprenticeship has massively helped my career," she stated. "I've developed assertiveness, leadership skills, and the ability to handle difficult conversations with colleagues and patients. It has also improved my academic writing and critical thinking skills, allowing me to apply evidence-based practice more effectively". 

Her nomination for the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards 2024 came as a surprise. "I was really happy when I heard about the nomination. It's a recognition of the hard work and dedication I've put into my apprenticeship. My tutor at BU, has been incredibly supportive, and this nomination is as much a reflection of his guidance as it is of my efforts," Abigail remarked . 

Ed Waldron, Lecturer Practitioner for Advanced Practice at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, who nominated Abigail, praised her dedication and growth: "I nominated Abi as she has demonstrated a real desire and determination to succeed as an apprentice trainee advanced clinical practitioner. What is particularly rewarding to see is Abi's professional, but also personal growth. Her confidence has soared through the Master's programme and she is starting to visualize her future role as an advanced clinical practitioner. Abi is always seeking to improve and develop herself further and will actively seek out feedback. These traits really demonstrate commitment to the apprenticeship standards". 

Asked for her advice to others considering an apprenticeship, Abigail said, "It's always worth doing. It opens up numerous opportunities and gives you the motivation to pursue further studies and career advancements." 

The Dorset Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the achievements of apprentices across the region, and Abigail Turner’s nomination underscores the impact of high-quality apprenticeship programs in shaping the future of healthcare.