Shortlisted to Finals of Chairman's Awards:
'Empower Our Staff'
Due to the appointment of a second Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse into all wards across
Downe and Lagan Valley Hospital sites, it proved opportunistic to embark on a programme of
induction, support, supervision and professional development for not only the new Deputy Sisters/
Charge Nurse but to benefit the original Band 6 staff already in post.
A bespoke programme was developed to support nursing staff in the transition from Staff Nurse to
Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse.
The Ward Managers supported the programme by protecting the time required by the Deputy
Ward Sister/Charge Nurse to attend the various components, delivering workshops and leading
supervision sessions.
The programme also provided a safe and secure arena whereby the Deputy Ward Sister/Charge
Nurse could support each other, develop networking opportunities across sites and become
familiar with the Governance, Workforce and Safe and Effective Care structures within the Trust.
Feedback from staff involved in the programme has been overwhelmingly positive.
Throughout the 6 months the programme has run, staff have reported both personal and
professional growth - the main comment being that it has given them the skills and knowledge to
deal more confidently with the difficult aspects of their jobs.
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