Priory pathways in focus: Sabina Przybyla-Gruszczyk

Sabina Przybyla-Gruszczyk shares her very own ‘Priory Pathway’, from nursing student in Poland to Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Adviser.

With a successful career spanning nursing and infection prevention control, Priory’s Sabina Przybyla-Gruszczyk returned to her former university - the National Academy of Applied Sciences in Krosno, Poland – last month, to share her inspiring journey with the next generation of nurses.

Sabina, who started her studies in 2002 with the Academy’s first-ever cohort of nursing students, spoke about her move to the UK, academic achievements, and the impressive career path which has taken her to Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Adviser at Priory.

Following her graduation in Krosno, Sabina worked in various roles before moving into healthcare. “At first, I was a housekeeper in hotels across London, then became a dentistry assistant,” said Sabina, who is also an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Liverpool.

“I then completed my masters degree and managed to secure a role as Infection Prevention and Control Lead Nurse at a local hospital. Working as a nurse throughout the Covid-19 pandemic was a daunting experience and I was concerned about the next steps in my career. Thankfully, I remained motivated, and seeing how my efforts positively impacted patients encouraged me to apply for a job at Priory, which I secured in 2021.”

Sabina’s current role focusses on ensuring that the risk of healthcare-associated infection for service users, visitors and colleagues at Priory are minimised.

“I really enjoy working alongside the infection prevention and control nurses at Priory,” adds Sabina.

“Being part of such a large organisation means there are always challenges, but Priory has given me the invaluable opportunity to continue learning so that I’m always developing my skills. For example, I have continued my membership at the Healthcare Infection Society and at the Infection Prevention Society (IPS), plus taken the opportunity to become a Coordinator for the IPS’ Mental Health and Learning Disability Specialist Interest Group.”

Recalling her delight at being asked to speak as alumni at the National Academy, Sabina said: “Being called an inspiration for young students shows that if you are motivated, passionate and supported by your loved ones and colleagues, you really can progress a long way in your career.”

Priory’s nationwide team care for more than 28,000 people a year across a network of 290 facilities, supporting people to live their lives as fully and independently as possible and achieve their goals.

As part of our Priory Pathways, we offer colleagues formalised career structures, such as our “Earn as you Learn” apprenticeships, which ensure they get the training and developmental opportunities they need to thrive in their roles and pursue individual interests.

Find out more about careers at Priory or email [email protected].

ENDS

Contact: [email protected]

About Priory and MEDIAN

Priory is the UK’s largest independent provider of mental health and adult social care services. Priory treats more than 70 conditions, including depression, anxiety, addictions and eating disorders, as well as children’s mental health, across its nationwide network of sites. Priory also supports autistic adults and adults with a learning disability, Prader-Willi Syndrome and brain injuries, as well as older people, within specialist residential care and supported living facilities – helping as many people as possible to live their lives.

Priory is part of the MEDIAN Group, the leading European provider of high-quality mental health and rehabilitation services. The MEDIAN Group comprises: Priory in the UK with 290 facilities and 5,000 beds caring for 28,000 people, MEDIAN in Germany with 120 facilities and 20,000 beds caring for around 250,000 patients, and Hestia in Spain with 15 facilities and 2,100 beds caring for 11,000 people in Spain, with more than 29,000 employees across the group.