Dear readers,
Summer is here! For many healthcare professionals in Europe, it will be a time to take a well-earned break and go on holiday. I will start my annual leave in September, which should be epic. This year, I have a new plan: staycation! I had a little taste of this in June and found it to be wonderful. It made me rethink my travel plans.
It's lovely to go out and do interesting things during the day, only to come back to my bed at night. My bed has become a real treasure, especially as I get older. So, come September, I might well stay at home and have a truly relaxing time. No planes, no trains, no delays. No stress. What a happy thought!
Last month, outside of my work both as a nurse on the ward and as a lecturer, I was also able to attend several excellent courses. I do this for my own CPD, as well as for leisure. I enjoy learning new things and gaining new insights.
For example, at the end of July, I attended a fantastic workshop by the Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF):
Preceptorship Pulse Check 2024/25 - Overview, Implications & Applications
In 2011, the UK implemented a preceptorship programme, and all NHS trusts are advised to follow it. It is a great programme for newly qualified nurses, overseas nurses, and nurses who are returning to the profession.
The FNF workshop was really interesting and felt extremely important. It was all about taking stock of the preceptorship programme in the UK and looking at what we need to do to improve this already very good service.
Over 150 nurses (chief nurses, education nurses, ward nurses, ward sisters, workforce nurses, etc.) came to the workshop. It was a very welcoming atmosphere with lots of vibrant discussions. It just shows how important it is to learn, to reflect, and to network with other nurses.
The 1-hour session broadened my horizons, and I am so thankful that I was able to attend because of my membership in the FNF. I learned new skills, expanded my knowledge, and met great people. What could be better than that?!
Like many of my colleagues, education has always been an enormous part of my personal and professional journeys. I find it puzzling that some nurses don't engage in learning, reading articles or nursing journals, attending congresses, or participating in healthcare networks. All I can say is this: "You are missing out!".
It was an absolute joy to meet such amazing people at the workshop. Above all, it demonstrated that our common challenges should be shared, discussed, and reflected upon as a group of professionals.
The implementation of the Preceptorship Programme in the UK was a milestone for the nursing profession. While not explicitly mandated for all nurses, preceptorship is mandatory for newly qualified practitioners in the UK, including nurses, midwives, and nursing associates. It is also mandatory for internationally recruited practitioners and those returning to practice after a break. Although not mandatory for all nurses, it is strongly recommended by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for all newly registered professionals, as it provides structured support during the transition to autonomous practice.
The National Preceptorship Framework mandates preceptorship for newly registered nurses, nursing associates, and internationally recruited nurses. It is strongly recommended for allied healthcare professionals, especially the newly registered professionals, regardless of their specific role or background. Preceptorship offers a structured period of support, guidance, and development to help new registrants build confidence, competence, and integrate into their new role. Preceptorship programmes typically last for 6-12 months, with some organisations offering more flexible or accelerated options for specific situations. Trusts and healthcare organisations are responsible for ensuring preceptorship programmes are in place and accessible to those who need them.
It is extremely important to evaluate this huge national programme through audits and discussions about the outcomes for workforce nurses and employers to ensure nurses are well-equipped when they begin their careers or return to nursing.
As I always say, lifelong learning is a gift. Anyone who has the opportunity to learn should grab it with both hands. It is precious!
Best wishes,
Sabine
