Gemma Birch: HCA and trainee nursing associate, HMP Oakwood
While many youngsters dream of training as a hairdresser, for Gemma Birch the reality did not deliver.
While many youngsters dream of training as a hairdresser, for Gemma Birch the reality did not deliver on the fulfilment she wanted from a career. Then a chance came to study for a career that would help her change the lives of those around her.
“I enjoyed hairdressing and the interaction with lots of other people, but it wasn’t enough. I knew I wanted to give more and so I started taking on care roles in addition. I really enjoyed supporting people with learning disabilities and other challenges.”
Gemma speaking honestly about her career
Gemma decided to commit to a career in care full-time and joined the team at HMP Oakwood. She said: “They are a wonderful team who support each other and are always there for you. It is one of the great things about working here. The other thing is the number of courses that are made available, and the training that is open to us.
“When Practice Plus Group offered me the chance to take on a nursing associate apprenticeship through the Open University, I jumped at it. My colleagues support me and the GPs and senior nurses act as mentors as I shadow them, and they sign off my work as proof for the course of my developing skills.”
Gemma, 27, is enjoying her course so much she is planning to study an extra year in order to become a registered nurse.
She said: “It has been a wonderful chance to revitalise my career and to ensure that, for my working life, I will be able to make a difference to the wellbeing of others.”
Share
Current vacancies
| Job title | Location | Contract type | Schedule type | Closing date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Primary Care Nurse | West Yorkshire HMP Wealstun | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 22 Nov 2024 |
| Learning Disabilities Nurse | HMP Onley | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 22 Nov 2024 |
| Healthcare Assistant (Bank) | HMP Askham Grange | Prison Healthcare | Casual/Bank | 22 Nov 2024 |
| Pharmacy Assistant | HMP Risley | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 22 Nov 2024 |
| Release and Transfer Nurse | HMP Pentonville | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 22 Nov 2024 |
| Senior Primary Care Nurse | HMP YOI Moorland | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 22 Nov 2024 |
| Senior Substance Misuse Nurse | HMP YOI Moorland | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 22 Nov 2024 |
| Pharmacy Technician | West Yorkshire HMP Wealstun | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 22 Nov 2024 |
| Senior Learning Disability Nurse | West Yorkshire HMP Wakefield | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 22 Nov 2024 |
| Primary Care Nurse | HMP Thorn Cross | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 21 Nov 2024 |
| Senior Pharmacy Technician | West Midlands HMP Hewell | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 21 Nov 2024 |
| Inpatient Nurse | West Yorkshire HMP Wakefield | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 21 Nov 2024 |
| Clinical/ Forensic or Counselling Psychologist | HMP Thameside | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 21 Nov 2024 |
| Healthcare Assistant | HMP Foston Hall | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 21 Nov 2024 |
| Healthcare Assistant | HMP Stocken | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 21 Nov 2024 |
| Senior Mental Health Nurse – Gatwick IRC | Gatwick IRC | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 21 Nov 2024 |
| Bank Pharmacy Assistant | HMP Wayland | Prison Healthcare | Casual/Bank | 21 Nov 2024 |
| Bank Physiotherapy Assistant | Practice Plus Group Hospital Birmingham | Hospitals, Surgical Centres, MSK and Diagnostics | Permanent | 1 Jan 0001 |
| Theatre Scrub Nurse | Practice Plus Group Hospital Emersons Green | Hospitals, Surgical Centres, MSK and Diagnostics | Permanent | 1 Jan 0001 |
| Senior Paramedic | HMP Lewes | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 1 Jan 0001 |
News and blogs
You’ll find a wealth of information in our knowledge hub.
