Date published: 10 July 2025

Paula Nixon Student Nursing Associate SNA 1.jpg

Have you dreamed of becoming a nurse but been held back for whatever reason? The Nursing Associate apprenticeship could be the stepping stone to a new career.  With no course fees, you earn while you study for a foundation degree and have a guaranteed job at Mersey Care.

New horizons

“As much as I loved working in a classroom, I  was trying to support children who’d had very difficult experiences but felt I didn’t have the skills. I really wanted to be able to do more for them.”

Paula started a nursing degree 16 years ago but dropped out of university in her first year. With a mortgage and plans to start a family, giving up her wage to be a student again was not an option.

“When I saw the opportunity to train as a nursing associate advertised, I grabbed it with both hands! You earn while you learn and at Mersey Care and there’s a guaranteed job at the end. It was the security I needed to be able to make the leap into a whole new career.”

“I'll be the first one with a degree in my family. I feel like a great role model for my little girl and my parents are going to be so proud.”

“At first I was full of self doubt - I hadn’t written an essay in a very long time! How was I going to cope going to uni and with a baby? But I knew this time I had the drive and determination. I was more mature and in a whole different headspace.”

After completing her two year Nursing Associate foundation degree last March, Paula successfully applied to ‘top up’ her qualification to become a fully registered nurse with additional funding and support available from the Trust. With no student debt and a guaranteed job, she is due to graduate with a BSc degree in mental health nursing in November.