From training to further education at Zollikerberg Hospital
August 14, 2024
4 min
Emily Arnold has just completed her apprenticeship as a healthcare specialist. In this interview, she talks about her apprenticeship at Zollikerberg Hospital: about the inseparable friendships she has made, about exciting internships in various areas such as paediatric nursing or geriatric care and about the many further training opportunities that now await her and which she has chosen.
Why did you choose to become a healthcare specialist?
It was actually clear to me from the start that I wanted to work in nursing. My mum is a midwife and my grandma worked in a nursing home for a long time and managed the staff there. My mum often took me to work with her, so I got to know everyday life in a hospital from an early age. I always found it fascinating to see the daily routine in a hospital, so I wanted to do the same.
Were there any situations that you found particularly interesting during your training?
I found it particularly interesting when we changed wards and I came to palliative care. Palliative care is a very exciting subject area in which you can learn a lot. At the beginning, I had a lot of respect for the change, as I wasn't sure what to expect. But it turned out that I really like it there. The work in palliative care is extremely varied and you're always getting to know new areas that you wouldn't experience on other wards.
What did you have the most respect for during your training and how did you deal with it?
I had the most respect for making mistakes. For a long time, I felt like I wasn't allowed to make mistakes because I work so closely with people. But it's natural and completely normal to make mistakes from time to time when you're teaching. After all, you are only just beginning to understand and live the work. That's why I was always happy to receive support at Zollikerberg Hospital. Especially my vocational trainers, who were always on hand with help and advice and patiently answered every question, no matter how many times I asked them.
Your training with us
Healthcare specialist EFZ
Would you like to work closely with people from day one and are you looking for a varied, lively learning environment and a team culture in which you feel comfortable? Then apply now and soon start your apprenticeship as a healthcare specialist EFZ at Zollikerberg Hospital or the Magnolia residential and care home. We look forward to hearing from you.
Who supported you during your training?
I was supported by almost everyone I worked with. The employees in the respective departments were always very accommodating and took me along to educational learning situations or were always there for me if I had any other concerns. The vocational trainers were also very supportive in all my activities. They knew how to challenge me and draw me out of my shell so that I could learn even more new things. What I also really like is that the apprentices in the company are very supportive of each other and offer each other help.
Which departments and professional fields did you get to know during your apprenticeship as part of the insight and rotation internships?
I was able to look into different areas, which I am very grateful for, because afterwards I knew exactly which direction I wanted to develop in. I had a two-month insight into geriatric care at our retirement home, Magnolia. There I realised that this specialist area didn't suit me. I also completed a 2-month internship in children's permanent care. This time helped me a lot to find out which direction I would like to take in the future after completing my apprenticeship as a healthcare specialist.
Did others do the same apprenticeship on the same ward as you? If so, was there the opportunity to support each other?
I had several other trainees at my side on each ward. There is at least one apprentice from each year of training on the ward. When I started my training, I was first on Private Ward 1, where there was another trainee in his first year of training. It turned out that we both got on really well, we became inseparable. We supported each other a lot and are still inseparable now and help each other with any difficulties that arise.
In general, I think that the trainees on the wards are very good and friendly with each other. At Zollikerberg Hospital, we also have the "Götti/Gotti" system. Each person in their third year of training is assigned a trainee from their first year. This means that the first-year apprentices always have a contact person they can talk to about anything.
What are your plans for your professional future?
After graduating, I'll be starting my HF degree course in September, specialising in children, youth, family and women (KJFF). In the meantime, I will continue to work at Zollikerberg Hospital. I would also like to do a Bachelor's degree afterwards, but that's all still up in the air.
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