How to build on the talents of your staff

Nursing is an incredibly rewarding job and no two days are ever the same, but it can be extremely demanding too, both mentally and physically. To achieve long-term success, a passion for nursing and patient care is imperative.

The demands placed on nurses are high and it is essential to adopt a positive “can do” attitude to ensure that you are well placed to deal with and prioritise a growing workload. The most effective nurses work proactively. I encourage nurses to think for themselves and act quickly. If they’re spoon fed, then they can never learn to work independently.

The most talented student nurses I have worked with will always put up their hands and ask questions about anything of which they are unsure. They will also, for example, want to go into theatre, visit other departments and shadow senior nurses.

Their curiosity, eagerness to learn and enthusiasm for the job is so apparent to me and other nurses and to our patients - and that is integral to the ethos we have at King Edward VII’s Hospital Sister Agnes. It is so important that patients feel at ease in the care of their nurses and only a passionate and motivated nurse can come across as truly caring and welcoming.

Some nurses I have trained over the years have the potential to become very successful, yet lack the initial confidence to ask for help and work independently.

I ensure that I am accessible to all of my staff and see them every day.

I help to empower less assertive nurses into creating their own decision-making processes. We have regular appraisals and review situations where they could have adopted a different approach and learn how they can improve for next time.

I can spot individuals who will go far in their career; if nurses are feeling overwhelmed and apprehensive at first, I can help develop their confidence.

Having that initial passion to look after people cannot be taught and a nurse has to find that within themselves.

As managers, we should be constantly looking for the leaders of the future - the potential candidates that can take nursing forward must be nurtured and encouraged.

Caroline Cassels is matron at King Edward VII’s Hospital Sister Agnes in London. She has worked there for 27 years, for 17 of those as matron.

Have your say

You must sign in to make a comment.