From joining Walsall Healthcare in 2020 as a Clinical Support Worker to now being part of its Research and Development Team, Rhianne Grice credits the NHS with giving her opportunities to carve out a rewarding career.

She originally worked in elderly care at Walsall Manor Hospital and admits she learned “so much” about how to support patients.

“I’m lucky to have both my grandparents who are in good health so starting my first proper job as a CSW was a huge learning experience for me,” said Rhianne, 24.

“I learned so much – the real fundamentals of care and an appreciation of how vulnerable people can be.”

Rhianne started her Nurse Associate apprenticeship two years later and in August 2023 moved on to the Acute Medical Unit (AMU).

She said: “This was a whole new environment to adjust to. It’s really busy, and can be unpredictable but again, I feel I learned so much from both the patients and staff there.”

As part of Rhianne’s apprenticeship she studied a module on research and that really caught her interest.

“I loved the idea of being able to work in an area where what we do today can help people in the future,” she said. “Research is such a diverse topic and it’s so inspiring to know there is so much work going on in the background.”

She graduated in March 2024 and left AMU to be part of the Research and Development Team in October last year where she is now a Research Nurse Associate.

“I enjoy the autonomy of this role and being able to help raise awareness of research,” she added. “There can be a lot of ignorance around this area of healthcare and our team here in Walsall is committed to challenging incorrect perceptions and showing people how it can benefit them, their children and grandchildren.”

Rhianne is currently involved in The UK Antimicrobial Registry (UKAR) study which is an observational study working to provide data to better help patients and the Atopic Eczema Systemic Therapy Register (A-STAR) study to look at eczema treatments. She is also working on the set-up of a rheumatology study.

“I really enjoy my role, and I like the fact that working in different settings in the NHS has helped grow my confidence and skills and identify an area I want to focus on,” she concluded.