Angela celebrates 31 years in the NHS | Talking #TeamCWPT blog

As CWPT's Long Service Awards approach, Technician Manager Angela reflects on her 31 years in the NHS.

"I stumbled into the NHS after college. It was simply a summer job at my then-local hospital: filing within the medical records department. When a vacancy came up, I was offered the position of clinic preparation clerk. This post exposed me to all the workings of an Acute NHS Trust. I was intrigued and amazed by the myriad of roles, departments and people behind the NHS façade. I shelved my other career aspirations for 12 months, thinking I'd just earn a bit more money 31 years later I'm still here!

Still with a mindset of studying, I embraced any courses on offer or opportunities to learn. I then moved posts, undertaking a similar role (film librarian, also now positively redundant) but within the Radiology Department. During this role, I was exposed to a more clinical environment and began exploring pharmacy. I simply went and asked the staff within the Pharmacy Department. My manager in Radiology was always very supportive of me exploring other roles within the NHS. I was young, keen to learn and wanting to contribute more 'clinically' to patient care.

After spending 2 years undertaking my training, I moved to SWFT as a newly qualified pharmacy technician. After 12 months of being a rotational technician, I then moved to UHCW. I knew this was a larger organisation and there would be more opportunities to move into specialist roles. I left UHCW 5 years later as a ward-based pharmacy technician specialising in palliative care and oncology.

I then worked within Daventry and Northamptonshire Primary Care Team; it was a completely different role and pace. I worked predominantly within GP practices, with some hours at the community hospital too. After 12 months, my role was split and also included working at HMP Rye Hill.

I fully embraced my prison role, it was a completely new environment, but with as many acronyms as the NHS! It was a brand-new role, mine to develop within the Healthcare Department. They'd never had any pharmacy input prior to this. I felt very proud to represent my profession.

During this time, I became interested in mental health, which ultimately let me to CWPT. Back in 2008, when the Medicines Management Team was newly evolving and the first external pharmacy contract commenced.

And here I am. Perhaps it is now time to revisit my original career path!?

My reflection and advice to those starting out within the NHS is to embrace any learning and training opportunities, ask questions, be interested in the roles of colleagues, including those in other departments and specialities. Every day is a school day and everything you learn can contribute to your role or future roles. Share your experiences and learning. Ask for feedback and reflect. Never be afraid to ask for advice.

It's never simply a job. Whatever your role in our amazing NHS, you are part of the patient/carer journey so make it a positive one."