Trainee Nursing Associates ring in Christmas early with festive food bank appeal

University of Northampton’s trainee Nursing Associates (NA) rung in the end of their 2017 studies with some festive fun and dug deep into their cupboards for a local charity.

Replete with Christmas jumpers, decoration and a dash of tinsel, they also presented to their peers and lecture staff about how they have found the course, an entirely new NHS grade within the nursing profession.

University of Northampton Nursing Associate students and staff.

After knocking back a few (non-alcoholic) drinks, they put together a box of culinary goodies to add to the university’s festive Food Bank appeal.

For the past week and until this Friday (15 December), University of Northampton has held a ‘reverse advent calendar’, with all staff and students able to donate imperishable  (i.e. tinned food, that won’t go bad after a few days).

Student Elizabeth Bayliss said: “I feel excited and privileged to be part of the Nurse Associate program. Not only have my academic abilities improved, gaining skills to use in all aspects of my life.

“My confidence has definitely improved as the university has taught me that it is ok to question previously held thoughts and beliefs and have encouraged my self-development.”