Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHS
Deborah O'Byrne
Recent activity
Comments (7)
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Comment on: All new nurses must have degrees
Many of my diploma colleagues at University (qualifying 09) were more than capable of completing the nursing degree however the bursaries were too tempting at diploma level to convert them. It appears that diploma level suffices the necessary qualifications at present to enter the world of nursing and takes less effort than degree level, being marked at level two rather than level three for degree level. I would suggest that increased studying rather than quibbling over this ongoing debate would be best placed for nurses under or post graduate for acquiring the knowledge to advocate for our patients. This is a career of lifelone learning and therefore best instigated from the beginning, but it would be well for the Government, NMC and RCN to reward this profession with improved working conditions and pay, to reflect the effort.
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Comment on: Are student nurses too posh to wash?
Our duty is to care for our patients, holistically. Fundamental personal needs must be as eagerly embraced to the coordination of medical interventions and drug administration. As a very newly qualified nurse it has become only too apparent how student nurses must be included in all the skills associated with qualifying as on registration many duties are EXPECTED of you. It appears 'placements' for student nurses relies upon who your mentor is, whether they embrace the role or address it as an additional chore. For example I was showed and explained the contents of a resus trolley only once in three years training, that in retrospect is at the core of acute nursing. It is imperative that student nurses experience varied duties within their placements for them to be able to survive the transient period of preceptorship. Universities requesting evidence of applicants working within the role of HCA/NA/HCW would fullfill the certainty that nursing students are more than capable of fundamental care. This would leave placements open for the additional teachings of the necessary additional knowledge and workings of the nursing enviroment that can only be absorbed and learnt from willing and eager participators. For 'gold standard nurse training'. the NMC and NHS must appreciate that qualified staff need time to exercise this need.
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Comment on: Nurses must ensure patients are weighed on admission to hospital
In a transitional status from student to qualification within the next few weeks, I am always continually striving to improve my admission and continuity of care documentation. Weighing patient is another facet of information that will be conscientiously adopted to include within nursing documentation and one that is noticably absent from many drug charts. In consideration of the focus necessary and vital attention to patients dietary intake in the acute wards and the importance of patients nutritional status this measure should be intrinsic, where practical in practice and I am grateful for the reminder.
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Comment on: Video: Gordon Brown at the Nursing Times Awards
As a 3rd year student nurse I am only to well aware of the considerable strain nursing staff face daily and thought the PM's accolade and praise of them sincere. The underlying issues of nurses and their working environment do not diminish with accolade though unfortunately. When nurses gain the respect and recognition such as our police force, civil servants, armed forces through increased pay, improved working conditions and safe working levels, then the refection of the country's gratitude maybe truly felt.
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Comment on: Campaign highlights diabetes health risk
Highlighting diabetes awareness is vital iin any form,this is a condition that has serious impacts on the patient and their families. As a 3rd student with a particular interest in diabetes I am heartened by the sincerity of all the health professionals in fighting this epidemic, I am disheartened still at the environments many NHS staff have to work under. Diabetes is welcoming a health plan because lifestyle choices have been altered and new ones have to be addressed and ameliorated, lets attempt to demonstrate good lifestyle achievement by living it and offering it, to all NHS staff and patients and visitors. NHS facilites for health promotion are poor to say the least and how are we able to offer and advise health education when the hospital environments (i.e. condition of rest areas, available foods and recreational facilities for health professionals) ignore it.. Diabetes awareness and education must be addressed or our soul purpose of making a difference will be futile, well done Diabetes UK, a master of its aim and a campaign I wholeheartedly support.
