Meet Maya Steeley, one of NHC’s T Level Adult Nursing students. As well as building her theoretical and practical knowledge in the classroom, her course also features a requirement for Maya to complete a minimum of 315 hours on placement in a healthcare setting. To meet this target, Maya has been volunteering as part of the Carer Experience team at Lister Hospital.
The team provides practical support, emotional reassurance, and essential resources to carers who are using hospital services. Maya has made a great contribution to this service, supporting 21 families in February alone and securing her spot as a volunteer of the month as a result. This recognition also provided Maya with the opportunity to shadow a team of her choice, so she was able to bring her dreams of becoming a physiotherapist one step closer by shadowing the therapy team.
Reflecting on her placement experience, Maya told us:
“My placement experience so far has been incredibly rewarding and has contributed greatly to my personal and professional development. The role has not only strengthened my organisational abilities but also challenged me in ways that have encouraged my personal growth.
“Throughout my time at Lister, I have gained a wide range of valuable skills. One of the most important skills I’ve developed is communication, whether it’s speaking with colleagues, families, or a patient. I’ve learned how to express myself clearly, confidently, and professionally. I’ve also made a conscious effort to maintain a positive and upbeat attitude, which has all helped to build strong relationships with both my team and the families we support.
“I’ve felt consistently supported by my lovely team and especially by Jan [Clinical Excellence Nurse at Lister Hospital], who has played a key role in helping me learn and develop. Their encouragement has pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and try new things, which has really helped boost my confidence.
“More recently, I’ve had the opportunity to take on a new responsibility – making calls to families to introduce our charity and explain the support we can offer. This has been a major milestone for me, and I’ve found it to be both rewarding and empowering.”
Could you follow in Maya’s footsteps? Check out North Hertfordshire College’s Health & Social Care pathways to find a course that’s right for you. With NHC, you can stay close to home and gain the experience you need to go far in the future.