Spotlight on Talent : Shannon Bree

Studied: Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship

Progression: Theatre Assistant Practitioner at Russell Halls Hospital

After working as a retail assistant, a lifeguard, at West Midland Safari Park and as a receptionist, Shannon Bree has found the career she believes is perfect for her.  The 23-year-old became a theatre assistant practitioner after completing an Apprenticeship with Walsall College while working as a receptionist/clinical support worker in Russell Hall Hospital.

Although is still in training, she has been assisting surgeons and nurses during procedures ranging from the removal of a mole to a leg amputation.  She has also had experience in circulating for an organ harvest and giving end of life care to the donor patient.

“I have a lot of respect for the surgical teams here,” said Shannon, “They motivate me to do well and progress so that one day, someone will think that highly of me.”

On top of this, she is also studying a Foundation Degree Science in Perioperative Care through Staffordshire University.

Shannon wasn’t always so confident about her future career.  Having studied A Levels and AS Levels in Accounting, Business, English and History, she had little idea of the direction she wanted to take next.

This resulted in her working in different places before joining Russells Hall Hospital.  It was here that inspiration came at her from every direction.

“I was exposed to so many different roles from my position on the front desk that I started to really understand what my options were,” said Shannon.  “My Apprenticeship helped too.  I was able to apply business admin theories to the regulations and procedures in place at the hospital.  Everything just seemed to click into place and I realised I was passionate about health and medical care.”

“When I look back to five years ago, I remember wondering what I would end up doing with my life.  I know now that it is possible to find a way to get where you want to be.”

She continued: “It can be something as simple as talking to people about what their jobs involve and then asking yourself if you can see yourself doing something similar.  Don’t close yourself off to an opportunity.  It’s all part of your life experience.

“Somehow everything will click into place.”

After she has finished her training, Shannon will become a qualified Theatre Assistant Practitioner (TAP) and will have the option to progress to a role as an Operational Department Practitioner (ODP), which enables her to assist with anaesthetic inductions. This will then provide her with further career avenues within a surgical or anaesthetic remit.