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My internship experience by Saffron Williams

During summer 2024, HEIW took on 14 students for an 8-week internship. They each spent time in a specific department within HEIW to gain an insight into what it’s like to work for the NHS in Wales.

Here you can read about Saffron’s internship experience at HEIW.

Name: Saffron Williams                                                            

Studying: Recent Graduate of BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science                                            

University: Cardiff Metropolitan University                                     

Internship with: Nicola Lewis + Gail Harries-Huntley at Health Education and Improvement Wales, within the Nursing Workforce Team.

My overall experience

My experience at HEIW has truly been amazing. Working as an intern for HEIW has given me the opportunity to experience working in an area which I have never experienced, giving me the opportunity to network with professionals and conduct research across the NHS Wales network, which has deepened my understanding of various frameworks and strategies essential for effective healthcare, education and improvement.

I have learned that I can take part in influencing patient care, even without patient contact. Working as part of the Nursing Workforce has really allowed myself to gain new skills within networking, boosting my confidence, and further enhancing my multi-disciplinary team working skills, helping to enhance healthcare pathways and improve outcomes for patients.

Project summary:

During my time at HEIW so far, I have been working on a digital resource which will include the necessary information regarding career progression pathways in the four fields of practice for post registered nursing, including Clinical, Educational, Research and Digital Pathways. I have also helped obtain blogs for the ‘Careersville’ platform, from student nurses and experienced nurses.

This project has allowed me to utilise and expand my team working skills, IT proficiency, communication skills, creative thinking and design skills. I have also worked on my time management capability, ensuring all tasks are completed to the best of my ability, and to HEIW standard. I have learned how to work autonomously but understanding when I need help and guidance and seeking that support, further developing my leadership skills completing my project.

In the beginning

In the first week or two of starting my internship, I found it exciting to network with so many fascinating people, and I made sure to ask plenty of questions, going into the project in a cool, calm and collected manner. I wanted to make sure I fully understood the aims and requirements of myself to complete my project to the best of my ability. I was a bit nervous coming from a biomedical science background, not knowing much about nursing but it’s been a great opportunity to find out what work HEIW do within the different teams of the organisation, and about nursing.

Next steps

I have been successful in extending my internship to a yearlong experience, which is something I really can’t wait for. In the future I would love to work in a patient facing role, and really make a difference and help people in a different way.

Outside of work and university

Outside of work, I really enjoy catching up with my friends and spending time with my family. Any excuse to go for a coffee and a chat, I am there! I do spend some of my time learning more about women’s health in Wales, and someday in the future would like to be an advocate for improving and increasing recognition of different medical issues women face.