Karen Glover is the Director of Partner Relations for CLAHRC EM and Head of Clinical Programmes for EMAHSN. Karen has held senior management roles including Director of Nursing and Compliance with the East Midlands Ambulance Service.
Here she describes how, after nearly 25 years in the NHS and 11 years off the frontline, she recently went back to working as a nurse on the Castle Ward, a 24-bedded trauma and orthopaedic rehabilitation ward for older people at Lings Bar Hospital, Gamston, Nottinghamshire.
As I approach 25 years in the NHS, I wondered how frontline nursing had changed since I left 11 years ago. So, in November 2015 I decided to go and find out!
I joined part of Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust Nurse Bank and started as a staff nurse on Castle Ward. I decided to do 2 shifts a month alongside my full-time Director-level role in Research and Innovation with CLAHRC EM and EMAHSN.
I have been so overwhelmed with the superb standard of care I have seen on Castle Ward that I felt compelled to shout about it.
What struck me instantly was the very clear and visible operational and clinical leadership from the Head of Inpatient Services, Claire Smith, the Practice Development Lead, Theresa Brennan and Ward Manager Karen Redgate.
The whole ward team works together brilliantly to deliver the highest quality care to patients and their families. It is truly inspiring to see the dedication and compassion shown by the nurses and health care assistants (HCA) on Castle Ward. They always go the extra mile to give their patients the best possible experience and to optimise clinical outcomes.
Senior HCA Teresa Donohoe told me; "I enjoy all aspects of my role, it is very rewarding to see our patients regain their confidence and return safely home." HCA Jane Sims spoke of her satisfaction at "seeing patients reach their goals to maximise independent living."
These sentiments consistently reflect patient views. Alice, who was admitted with a fractured radius said; "I can’t put into words how marvellous the nurses have been" Another paitnet, Kathleen, who sustained a fractured humerus following a fall said, "everyone has been fabulous – I can’t fault a thing!"
It is a privilege to be part of the Castle Ward team - I’m so pleased I decided to take the plunge and return to practice.
Could you return to practice?
If you have been a registered nurse previously and wish to return to the profession then you may need to undertake a Return to Practice programme. The programme is essentially a period of updating your skills and knowledge so that you can become re-registered and return to work in nursing.
The courses will take approximately three months to complete, although some people may take longer depending on clinical placement hours required and the length of time out of practice and length of time previously in practice. The courses will also be flexible to fit around existing commitments, such as childcare.
Contact Health Education East Midlands for more details.