“I love the opportunity that the NHS and the Partnership have given me to progress my career in nursing” | News

Over 100 Newly Qualified Nurses (NQN) from across the Partnership came together on Wednesday 24 April to celebrate achievements, share experiences and hear from other peers at the end of their Preceptorship Programme.

The Partnership offers preceptorship programmes to all Newly Qualified Registered Nurses and Nursing Associates. Study days include a focus on various clinical topics, including reflective practice, responsive support from the programme leads and peer support.  

At the event, a number of NQN shared their experiences and journeys and showcased their professional and personal development. This included  their experience of teamwork within the Partnership, which is a key part of the preceptorship programme and experience.

Micaela Cervini who started as a health care assistant in 2014 at BEH and has recently completed the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, said:

“I love the opportunity that the NHS and the Partnership have given me to progress my career in nursing. Helping people was my vocation and I discovered that this was my goal in life.”

Bandile Maphalala from BEH shared his experience after being recruited as an International Nurse for the Partnership. He said:

“It’s not easy to move into a new country but I’ve had so much support during my journey. The preceptorship programme helped me to integrate smoothly as an international nurse. I’ve been inspired to work hard and lead people and it has been a great experience to lead a team and to also inspire my team to be the best they can be.”

NQN, Emma Ifeoma Rolland Ahizu from C&I, shared her experience with attendees, highlighting how much support she received from colleagues and preceptors alike. She said:

“Going back to study to do a postgraduate course - I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do it but everyone at BEH helped me and supported me throughout my journey. I trained at BEH and that’s where I did my placement and it was a wonderful experience, I felt very supported, everyone helped me in one way or another.”

NQN, Prince Antwi from BEH said that the preceptorship programme helped him a lot with speakers teaching different topics. He added, the education team was very supportive.

Another NQN, Chiedozie Franklin Otuonye from C&I also talked about the preceptorship programme and said that it was great, however, there were some challenges at university, but overall the experience was great.

Deputy Ward Manager, Abdool Limbada, spoke about his experience as a preceptor. He stated:

“A preceptor is a nurse who guides, educates, and evaluates student and newly qualified nurses. I chose to be a preceptor because I wanted to change things, to make things easier for everyone joining us and make them feel welcome.”

He added, “I would like to tell all NQNs to be keen to learn as much as they can but also remember to be kind, compassionate and empathic. Remember you are not alone so ask questions, approach people and don’t be afraid; you can learn from everyone. Enjoy your journey and good luck to everyone.” 

The Preceptorship Leads, Grace Asiedu and Jo Pollock, were thanked and congratulated repeatedly to their commitment and motivation by the group.

Corporate Nursing staff joined the event, including David Curren, Partnership Associate Director of Nursing (Workforce and Education), Professor Fiona Nolan, Director of Nursing, Ann Jumawan, Associate Director of Nursing (Hospital Division), Lazarus Ndhlovu, Associate Director of Nursing (Haringey Division), Caroline Bete, Associate Director of Nursing (Barnet Division), Clare Scott, previous Director of Nursing and currently, the Chief Nursing Officer of The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust and Satish Nath Varma, International Recruitment Lead Nurse for the Partnership was also in attendance.

David Curren addressed the attendees and shared a thank you message. He said: 

“It was lovely to hear all your stories. We also want to take today as an opportunity to learn from you and hear how we can continue to improve and to get it right by listening to your experience.”
He added: “It’s worth highlighting that the work we do is very important, fascinating and interesting but it’s also hard at times and it’s important that you look after yourselves. Thank you for being mental health nurses and please keep inspiring each other, keep learning and aspire as high as you want to in your career.”

Professor Fiona Nolan and Clare Scott also congratulated the NQNs for the successful completion of their training and preceptorship programme. Clare further expressed her satisfaction of seeing the Healthcare support workers successfully completing the Trainee Nursing Associate and Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship programmes to become band 5 nurses.

During the afternoon, attendees had the opportunity to hear about wellbeing including the initiatives and support available for them; as well as shared feedback on improvements that can be implemented to make their experience and journeys as NQN even better and smoother.