Name: Teigan
Job title: Ambulance Care Assistant
Company: E-Med Group
Course: Skills Bootcamp for Clinical Pathways in Health and Social Care
My Story
Teigan’s professional journey took a remarkable turn when she discovered the Skills Bootcamp in Clinical Pathways for Health and Social Care at Truro and Penwith College.
Teigan’s journey began with aspirations of a Paramedic Degree at Plymouth University. However, a challenge in the Anatomy and Physiology module prompted her to explore the care sector during a work placement in Falmouth. Life’s twists and turns led her through agency care work and a stint at a care home in Lostwithiel before finding her place at Eschol House Nursing Home.
Initially considering an Assistant Practitioner course, Teigan’s manager at Eschol House Nursing Home in Portscatho introduced her to the Skills Bootcamp. The programme not only reignited her long-held desire to become a Paramedic but also instilled a newfound confidence and love for continuous learning. Teigan now finds unparalleled fulfilment in her new role at E-Med Group, where she works in non-emergency ambulance transport, a key stepping stone towards her ultimate goal of becoming a Paramedic.
The College’s Skills Bootcamp served as a catalyst for Teigan’s personal and professional growth. Armed with an enhanced knowledge base and newfound confidence, she now navigates the complexities of her role at E-med with enthusiasm, undertaking responsibilities such as patient discharges, hospital transfers, and engaging with individuals with high dependency needs.
Juggling a full-time job with four 12-hour shifts and the demands of the Skills Bootcamp tested Teigan’s resilience. Teigan’s partner played a crucial role in her success and helped her to manage a work/life balance. His support created an environment conducive to her growth which enabled her to strike a balance between coursework and personal time, demonstrating the importance of a strong support system.
Reflecting on her experience, Teigan emphasises the impact of the Skills Bootcamp on her confidence. In the Care sector, where doubt and workload pressures can weigh heavily, the program empowered her to overcome challenges. She expresses immense gratitude to her Skills Bootcamp Tutor and Curriculum Developer Amanda Thompson, describing her as: “An incredible mentor throughout the course who offered enormous support with everything.”
Teigan encourages others who would like to develop their skills, but might feel hesitant, to step out of their comfort zones, emphasising: “Sometimes you have to put yourself in an uncomfortable situation to become comfortable. People know what they know but you have to push yourself to improve.” Her advice resonates with those hesitant to develop their skills, underscoring the transformative power of the College’s Skills Bootcamp in Clinical Pathways.
Teigan firmly believes in the program’s value, describing it as: “An invaluable resource that is constantly evolving to improve practice. The Care sector is changing rapidly and having knowledge about why you do what you do, develops and embeds competency. It improves confidence and shows that while there will be challenges, you can overcome them.”
Teigan’s journey illustrates the impact of continuous learning, offering inspiration to others seeking to advance their skills in the dynamic landscape of Healthcare and Social Care. If you are interested in joining the next Skills Bootcamp for Clinical Pathways in Social Care please contact our Skills Bootcamp Curriculum Developer, Amanda Thompson, via email: amandathompson@truro-penwith.ac.uk