Hear from our staff

Advancing Practice Week returns this November (8th-14th), a national celebration of Advanced Practitioners (APs), recognising the contribution and dedication they make to improving care, while highlighting opportunities for learning and career progression. 

We spoke to three colleagues about their careers and experiences. Hear first from Kate Tanner as she shares her story from starting out as a physiotherapist to now being an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP).

Hello, I’m Kate and I started my career as a physiotherapist in Coventry more than 25 years ago. Since then, I have worked across a number of Trusts in both acute and community settings.

Around six years ago, I had the opportunity to undertake a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice. At the time, I don’t think I fully appreciated what the course would involve, but I knew I was ready for a new challenge and wanted to progress my career.

I studied part-time over three years while continuing to work as a Therapy Team Lead for Pershore and Malvern Community Hospitals. Following this, I was successful in securing a trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner post at Worcester City Inpatient Unit (WCIU). I completed my Master's in 2023 and have continued to work at WCIU, supporting the medical care of patients.

The transition from being an experienced physiotherapist to a novice Advanced Clinical Practitioner within the Community Hospital ACP team was not always easy. There were certainly times when I questioned what I had taken on and why I had decided to do it. However, with time, experience and the support of my colleagues and the wider team at WCIU, I grew into the role. Today, I genuinely enjoy what I do and feel I make a valuable contribution to both the team and the care we provide to patients and their families.

No two days are ever the same. My role can involve clerking new patients, reviewing medications, assessing and managing unwell patients, or supporting patients and their families as they approach the end of life.

As a physiotherapist, I never imagined I would be undertaking these kinds of responsibilities. However, I use the assessment, communication, negotiation and goal-setting skills I developed as a physiotherapist every day. Working within a multidisciplinary ACP team that includes nurses, physiotherapists and paramedics also brings a wealth of different perspectives and experiences, which is hugely valuable across our community hospitals.

Looking back, taking the step into advanced practice pushed me well outside my comfort zone, but it has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career. I would encourage anyone who is considering their next career move to explore the opportunities available through advancing practice. It can be challenging at times, but with hard work, support and perseverance, the rewards can be significant.

Advancing Practice Week is a great opportunity to recognise the contribution APs make across health and care services, while also highlighting the exciting career development opportunities available for colleagues who want to broaden their skills, take on new challenges and advance their own practice.

For more information on Advance Practice, visit the The Centre for Advancing Practice at NHS England website and look out for more colleague stories throughout the week as we share the experiences of Advanced Practitioners from across the Trust.