NHS Western Isles launches Newly Qualified Nurse Development Programme

Developed by the Professional Practice and Clinical Governance team, working closely with Clinical managers and staff, the newly innovative programme aims to welcome and support our newly qualified nurses through the transition from student to registered staff nurse.  

Anna Nicolson, NHS Western Isles Practice Educator for Nursing and Midwifery, said “We are pleased to welcome a cohort of 11 Newly Qualified Nurses to begin their careers as registered nurses at NHS Western Isles.  

“All of them have completed their studies to become nurses in the Western Isles, 10 with University of the Highlands and Islands, and one with the Open University.”

The newly qualified staff nurses faced many challenges during their last six months as students, with changes to their university programmes and final placements due to Covid-19.  

Anna added, “During this time they proved themselves to be resilient and adaptable practitioners, making a vital contribution to our workforce by becoming members of staff, whilst employed as students, in line with national policy.  

The programme is based around the 4 Pillars of Practice, Clinical Practice, Facilitation of Learning, Leadership and Evidence, Research and Development.

Ruth Thompson, NHS Western Isles Interim Nurse and AHP Director/Chief Operating Officer, said “I would like to welcome our newly qualified practitioners to their first Staff Nurse post and to the start of what I hope will be a long and fulfilling career.

“The Newly Qualified Nurse Development Programme is both new to you and to NHS Western Isles and in the spirit of continual improvement, your evaluation and feedback of the programme is so important to us.”

The programme has been designed to provide a platform for ongoing workplace development, allowing newly qualified nurses to gain the experience and competencies they require to progress.

Jimmy Myles, NHS Western Isles Senior Nurse Acute Services, said “We feel it is important to support our new staff nurses from the outset of their career.  

“This programme will help build on their skills and knowledge, and improve their confidence as they achieve competency milestones and progress with their learning and development.”

The event was held over two afternoons in order to comply with COVID-19 guidelines.

Pictured above:
Row 1 – Anna Nicolson, Practice Educator Nursing & Midwifery
Row 2 – Louise Gibbons, Staff Nurse, Medical 2, and Ailidh Macleay, Staff Nurse, Renal Unit
Row 3 – Sophie Macdonald, Staff Nurse, Ambulatory Care
Row 4 – Laura Katherine Skelly, Staff Nurse Surgical Ward, and Ewen Cameron, Staff Nurse Theatre
Row 5 – Joan Mackay, Clinical Practice Trainer.

Pictured above:
Row 1 – Jen Black, Staff Nurse, Medical 2, and Jimmy Myles, Senior Nurse Acute Services
Row 2 – Lynsey Mackenzie, Staff Nurse South Team Community
Row 3 – Gillian Macsween, Staff Nurse, East Team Community
Row 4 – Clare Moncur, Staff Nurse, East Team Community.  Emily Macneil, West Side Community
Row 5 – Anna Nicolson, Practice Educator, Nursing & Midwifery
Row 6 – Noreen Macdonald, Quality Improvement/Excellence in Care Lead Nurse