Wow, how time flies – and what a year!
I recently received my first year anniversary email from the NMC.
It has been a year of many highs and lows at work. The year started with a massive sense of relief that I had passed my trainee nursing associate course and was able to transition to a registered role in my base area. I had always hoped to do this as I work with a really good team and I enjoy the speciality that I work in.
I was lucky that my base area have been very supportive during my first year. My supernumerary period provided a safe introduction to my new role and the professional relationships I had built with my colleagues meant I have always felt that I could seek support whenever needed.
Of course mistakes were made but I always believe it is important to adhere to the Standards of Proficiency for Nursing Associates and to be honest and transparent at all times. The role is very demanding, mentally and physically and there have been times when I have wondered if I am truly capable of this.
The first six months after qualifying was the time where I started to become aware of what was expected of me, the importance of prioritising workload and tasks, the essential skill of delegating to appropriate colleagues and the importance of escalation and asking for help and advice where required.
The second half of my first year has been more of a refinement. There has been a lot less dread going into work as I am more aware of what is expected from me. As my confidence has improved in the day to day tasks – I have felt more capable and confident in dealing with unexpected situations.
Prioritising workload is a big challenge – a typical day consists of many competing demands and often feels like the list of jobs just keeps growing. I have learned that it is not always about getting everything done – but the important things done. Many things fall into the important category and this varies between clinical area, available resources, and the patient themselves.
Being able to work autonomously within my competencies and role have become increasingly important to myself. This is both to ensure the safety of my patients and also for my own confidence and satisfaction that I am able to perform my duties safety and with the best interest of the patient at all times.
Knowing and understanding my patients as much as possible is very important. Understanding their likes and dislikes, social situation, home life, etc can be vital in discovering if a person needs additional help or support and sometimes gives valuable insight into any social determinants of health that may be impacting them. It also enables the building of therapeutic and trusting professional relationships where patients, relatives and carers feel able to approach and speak to me. As a healthcare assistant and then a trainee nursing associate – building therapeutic relationships was very important and this is something that I have continued in my registered role.
This first year has flown by, but with practice, perseverance, reflection and support I feel that I have made a lot of progress. I feel that I have built a solid foundation for year 2 although I know there is much more to learn, more highs to celebrate and more lows to reflect and improve upon.
Beth
