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Registered Nursing Associate

 

 

My story: Elaine Lewis

I’m Elaine Lewis, a Registered Nursing Associate and I have worked at UHP for 11 years

Elaine Lewis How I got into this role

I applied in 2016 following 8 years working as a Band 3 HCA within the Endoscopy Unit.  Prior to this I had worked as a civil servant for 24 years working for the Ministry of Defence.  I had taken early retirement and had decided to embark on a career in healthcare initially as a Care Support worker to gain experience and skills in health care sector for an agency in Plymouth City, during this employment I undertook further training and studied towards achieving Level 3 NVQ in adult health and social care.  The agency I was working for began obtaining contracts for Hospitals however I did not have relevant clinical skills experience.  I decided to apply to University Hospital Plymouth for possible HCA Role vacancies to gain the required skills and knowledge, a job was advertised for Band 3 HCA on the Endoscopy unit a full-time contract I applied and was successful.  I had read and researched the role of New role of Nursing Associate Health Education England website and felt I would be a good fit for the role it ticked all the relevant boxes for me personally.  I t gave me the opportunity to study at degree level without losing out financially, being a single- parent this was a vital aspect to me at the time of application.  I missed the first application stage so I applied to the second roll out and was accepted onto the training which commenced during September 2017. 

My role at UHP

I now work 37.5 hours per week within a busy Surgical Ward as a Registered Nursing Associate, supporting the Multidisciplinary teams, by admitting patients pre- and post-Surgery I manage teams of patients clinically with RGN support, monitor, record, report and escalate patient care to RGN’S and Doctors on the Ward.   I discharge patients’ home and ensure patient flow is consistently maintained. 

The best bits and the challenges

Positive aspects include knowing you have contributed to someone recovering from Surgery which could be lifesaving.  The challenges are lack of correct skills mix and staffing levels on wards.

Life outside of work

I have varied interests outside of work including Mindfulness meditation, Hypnotherapy, Reflexology, Walking, Cooking, Reading, Listening to music Gardening. 

My top tips to being successful

My plan at present is to consolidate what I have learned so far and to support Trainee Nursing Associates I would like to work in the community setting again as I do enjoy the social care aspect of Nursing patients. 

 

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