A programme that prepares new and internationally educated nurses to work in hospital has won national recognition.
The Professional and Commissioned Education team at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust were awarded the national Interim Quality Mark by NHS England for their Preceptorship Programme.
The 15-month programme is for newly registered nurses and nursing associates, helping them at the beginning of their career to develop as an accountable professional. They learn to advocate for patients through leadership, understanding teamwork, the art of delegation and emotional intelligence. It also promotes a culture of patient safety, risk awareness and high-quality care.
“Achieving the quality mark gives me confidence that we successfully support our nurses to deal with the demands of being newly registered professionals.
“The programme helps staff fully understand the impact their roles have on patients and helps them to understand the career opportunities and progression routes available to them. The programme focuses on emotional intelligence, delegation and leadership which all make a difference to patient care.”
Gill Perry, Associate Director of Nursing for Professional and Commissioned Education said:
More than 330 nurses have completed the course since it began, with over 700 having enrolled so far. It is open to newly qualified nurses, as well as those who were educated overseas before joining the Trust.
The team are the first in the east of England to be given the award, and were presented with their certificate by Catherine Morgan, Chief Nurse for the region.
“The programme has helped me to identify my learning needs and gave me the ability to set a goal for improvement. It allowed me to boost my skills and improve how I care for patients. Above all, the course has really helped me to become the best nurse I can be.”
Muti Alsalam, Registered Nurse on Orsett ward who has previously completed the Preceptorship Programme, said: