Course supports new nurses to deliver better care
A group of nurses have become the first to complete a course that supports them to develop the skills they learnt during their training.
It’s known as the nursing preceptorship programme and is a national scheme that provides support to nurses in their first year in post to help maximise their potential and empower them to make a real difference to patient care.
Seventeen Basildon Hospital nurses completed the course in 18 months to help guide them in their first roles as qualified nurses, getting regular contact with their mentors, peer group and the education team.
Hazel Constantino joined Basildon Hospital in 2004 as a healthcare assistant before completing her nurse training in spring 2020. She said: “The last 18 months on the preceptorship have really helped put into practice everything I’ve learned so far. I’ve felt nothing but supported and valued. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”
All newly qualified nurses employed at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust will eventually take part in a preceptorship programme, which began at Basildon Hospital in September 2020 before being introduced at Broomfield Hospital earlier this year. It will be rolled out at Southend Hospital this autumn.