Bolton Hospice Nurse Associate Christine Pollard has been nominated for The University of Greater Manchester’s Outstanding Progress Apprenticeship Award. – RNDA (Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship). 

Already a qualified nurse, Christine is currently completing a ‘top up’ nursing apprenticeship course at the university. 

The Outstanding Progress category celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional progress, dedication and achievement through throughout their apprenticeship studies. 

Christine said the nomination came as a surprise.  “I opened my emails one morning and the nomination was just sat there.  I still don’t know who nominated me.

To me I’m just doing my job, but it is lovely for hard work to be recognised. 

I love my studies.  It’s nice to challenge myself personally but also bring back new skills and knowledge to my role at the hospice.”

Christine worked as Nurse Associate for 4 years before deciding to develop her skills via a funded RNDA Apprenticeship. 

The RNDA course involves a split of theory, practical and placement study.  Christine is on track to complete her course in autumn 2026. 

She said: “I couldn’t have taken on this type of career progression if the hospice hadn’t helped me with the apprenticeship. 

I needed to keep a secure job.  By taking this route, I’ve been able to develop my skills knowing that there’s still a role for me at the end of it.  I know a lot of student nurses are struggling to find work after they’ve graduated so I’m very thankful for that security.

This qualification allows me to help my patients more.  I’ve always loved helping people and for me, working at the hospice is helping people to make the most of what time they have left and supporting their loved ones too”. 

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