A care assistant at a nursing home in Bury who “never in a million years” expected to earn a degree is set to graduate as a registered nurse next year after taking part in a workplace training scheme.

Paula Chandler, 49, graduated from the University of Bolton last month with a foundation degree in health and social care and is set to complete a second degree in adult nursing next year.

The care assistant is completing her qualification through a workplace training scheme set up with the University of Bolton and her employer, Gorsey Clough Nursing Home in Tottington.

Having started her job At Gorsey Clough in 2018 with two NVQs at level two and level, Paula “never in a million years” expected to be on track to complete two degrees just four years later. 

She thanked care home manager, Craig Priestly, for supporting her through her studies.

Paula, from Heywood, said: “You got the support, it wasn’t easy but I wouldn’t have done it otherwise if I didn’t work for [Gorsey Clough].

“I never in a million years thought I’d get this far, to actually get a degree and go to uni.”

Paula graduated from her foundation degree last month after the ceremony was delayed by the pandemic and now has 10-months until she becomes a fully qualified nurse.

Craig says the university has been “absolutely fantastic” in supporting his staff since he set up the career pathway after joining the care home in 2019.

He said: “[Paula] has come on leaps and bounds and she’s got a breadth and depth and knowledge now, she knows the reasons why we do things now, like taking blood pressure or the administration of medication.”

Craig now says he would encourage other care homes to embark on a similar programme and says his door always is open to provide advice. 

He said: “I like to get the best out of staff, I like to see them grow and develop, its not about keeping staff because they’re good at their job, its about investing in them to be best that they want to be.

“If you look after your staff, they’ll look after your residents.”