A Caring Career: My Journey Through the Aspiring Nurses Programme
“All you need is passion and a caring attitude”
– A Powys nurse-in-training shares her journey into healthcare
“At the time of my application, I had minimal clinical knowledge. I’d worked in administrative roles. But you don’t need clinical experience to succeed — just passion and a caring attitude. That’s all it takes to start this fantastic journey.” – Eileen McDean
That was more than enough.
Thanks to the Aspiring Nurses Programme, a 4-year initiative from Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) and the Open University, supported by Powys Health Charity, Eileen is now well on her way to becoming a Registered General Nurse (RGN).
Her career with PTHB began in 2016, working in the Continuing Healthcare team. From there, she moved into a more fast-paced role in the Temporary Staffing Unit, gaining valuable experience and insight into how the health board operates.
Then in 2021, everything changed. The door opened to a new path and she walked through it.
“My journey with the Aspiring Nurses Programme began in 2022. It’s an innovative blend of hands-on experience and academic learning. I work 15 hours a week on a busy ward as a Healthcare Support Worker, alongside 22.5 hours of study. It’s intense but it’s incredibly rewarding.”
She’s currently based at Claerwen Ward in Llandrindod Hospital, where she’s earning while she trains, supported by a team that helps her balance her dual role as student and healthcare professional.
“I’m now in my third year of the programme and have genuinely enjoyed about 95% of it after all, no one can be happy all the time! This course has given me the skills and confidence to work towards becoming an RGN.”
“But just like passing your driving test, the real learning begins when you’re out there on the road or in this case, on the ward.”
The programme’s flexible structure and the Open University’s learning platform have been key but so has the sense of community.
“You study alongside people from across the UK, all working with different health boards. Everyone brings a different perspective, and we’re all learning from one another. It’s been truly inspiring.”
As graduation approaches, her message is simple:
“If you’re thinking about a career in nursing, go for it. The Aspiring Nurses Programme is flexible, challenging, and life-changing. You don’t need to be clinical to start. You just need to care.” – Eileen McDean
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