The flip side of the current staffing crisis in the NHS is the need to keep staff from leaving – ‘staff retention’.
This can involve pay levels, promotion prospects, housing, work-life balance – and more. It is often a matter of giving staff the chance to build their careers by continuing their training.
The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Academy in partnership with the University of Northampton, has successfully developed an Advanced Adult Assessment and Examination (AAAE) module that will be nationally recognised by universities across the UK.
In line with the NHS long term plan to support staff education and training, the Trust is funding this Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunity for staff.
The AAAE module is custom designed for registered healthcare professionals such as nurses and therapists who are involved in performing patient assessments and examinations, to develop their confidence in making timely and informed clinical decisions.
To achieve this, the module will include a broad range of theoretical and practical sessions linked to physical assessment, examination and therapeutic interventions. Each session will be delivered by a specialist nurse or senior consultant, and students will have an opportunity to undergo a clinical simulation exercise based on a real life scenario.
The module is managed and overseen by a team of qualified educators who also have an acute clinical background. On successful completion of the module, students will be awarded 40 credits at Masters Level which can be transferred to various academic awards in the country.
Claire Barker is Training and Development Manager at GWH’s Academy: “We wanted our students to come out of the course with a qualification that they can bring along with them as they continue to grow professionally and undertake other academic courses, and the AAAE module will allow them to do just that.”
GWH’s Chief Nurse, Julie Marsham stresses importance of investing in staff training and development: “Retaining our talent is just as important as recruiting them. By supporting our staff to develop their skills and expertise, we are helping them to reach their potential and empowering them to deliver quality care.”
“I am so thankful for the support we’ve received from the University of Northampton, and my hope is that our staff can continue learning and growing throughout their career.”
Dr Steve O’Brien is Dean of the Faculty of Health and Society at University of Northampton: “There is little doubt that the value of continuing professional development for nurses is immense and enhances job expertise, and the quality of the care that can be provided to patients.”
“In addition, developing learning opportunities such as the AAAE module with GWH means healthcare providers have an extra tool to develop staff and maximise their potential.”
GWH’s Claire Barker and Helen Booth have been involved in developing the AAAE module since day one, and they have been working closely with the University of Northampton to ensure national standards are met