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My journey into radiography wasn’t the typical route. I first came to the trust 13 years ago working as a domestic on A&E before progressing to working as a healthcare assistant also on A&E. I began to wonder about possible progression routes and what profession I would like to step into. I had considered paramedic training and nurse training amongst other things but I wasn’t 100% sure these were the right roles for me. 

Around this time, I became aware of a training post becoming available to train as an assistant practitioner (AP) in radiology (this is the radiography equivalent of the nursing associate role). I decided to apply for the position and was successful. This led to two years of training as well as completing a foundation degree. During my time training and upon completion of my course, it became apparent to me that I had found my niche, and I wanted to take my career further.

I then took a career break and went to university to complete my radiography degree. This was something the trust and department were very supportive of. At the time, leaving my job role to study full-time was the only way to progress into a diagnostic radiographer role. It’s great to see how things have evolved as now, we can offer apprentice routes for AP-radiographers. Since qualifying as a diagnostic radiographer, I have developed my knowledge further, including completing a master’s level course in practice education for AHPs. More recently, I progressed into a clinical educator role in which I help and support trainee APs, new starters, and international recruits. I take great satisfaction in supporting my colleagues and being able to help them progress in their careers into excellent radiographers and APs.

As well as the clinical educator elements of my role, I also work clinically as a diagnostic radiographer. I enjoy still being able to work clinically as it allows me to maintain patient contact and develop my clinical skills.

Diagnostic radiographers provide medical imaging for patients in both acute and non-acute scenarios. We provide imaging in multiple different modalities (x-ray, CT, ultrasound, MRI, mammography, and theatre imaging/cardiac screening), although I personally chose to specialise in plain film x-ray.

My greatest achievement throughout my career would be obtaining my radiography degree. I was studying during the pandemic which impacted universities massively and changed how the course was delivered. I was also working during this time at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital. Despite all this uncertainty and challenges faced during this time I was able to obtain my diagnostic radiography degree, and I am immensely proud of this.

My role allows me to make a positive difference to patients every day. In radiology, we often see patients while they are at their most uncertain or distressed and being able to comfort the patient while still obtaining diagnostic imaging is essential. Whether it is an emergency and requires urgent imaging for a patient or caring for a child who is unsure of what is happening and what to expect. For me, every interaction with a patient is equally as significant and important.