Nurse Preceptorship Programme

Medical staff looking at notes

At The Walton Centre, we offer a preceptorship programme to help support and guide new registrants to make the transition from student to accountable practitioner in accordance with the NMC code of professional conduct. The course is also designed to give staff an overview of caring for patients with a neurosurgical or neurological condition.

After starting at the Trust and whilst waiting for your pin number you will be employed as a HCA. Once your pin number arrives you will given time to be supernumerary so that you can develop your skills as a registered practitioner. Supernumerary status is given to all nursing staff new to the Trust; not just newly qualified.

The period of supernumerary will vary, depending upon the placement area; with a minimum of two weeks for ward staff. This time can be extended, if the nurse requires more time to gain the confidence and skills, to become a competent practitioner.

All new nurses will be allocated a preceptor and will be supported by our ward-based Practice Facilitators. You will attend a three day corporate induction and have a number of additional study days throughout the programme.

 

Male Nurse at desk

Nurse Preceptorship Programme Overview

The programme runs over 12 months and will include the following:

  • An overview of neuro conditions

Clinical Skills:

  • Intravenous Drug Administration
  • Intravenous Therapy study day
  • Cannulation / venepuncture
  • Catheterisation study day
  • BM training 

 

Additional in-house courses:

  • Deteriorating patient study day
  • Tracheostomy work shop
  • Annual updates on health and safety
  • Action learning sets
  • Other relevant study sessions
  • Study sessions delivered by Reps

You will meet on a regular basis with your preceptor and discuss your progress and development needs.

 

All new staff will be given a preceptorship pack which should be completed within six months.
This includes a number of competency assessments:

  • Medicines management
  • Aseptic technique
  • NG tube insertion
  • Catheterisation
  • Medical device self assessments
  • Critical care / theatre competencies (if working in these areas)

This list is not exhaustive and competency assessments are being developed and implemented regularly. The Trust has a large number of nurse specialists who undertake ward teaching and these sessions are open for all to attend.

 

 

 

Nurses at the computer

Rotation Programme

Rotation opportunities are available across all specialities.

Practice Educators/ Practice Facilitators

Our Practice Educators and Practice Facilitators will offer further guidance, supporting all nursing staff with settling in to the Trust.

Continuing Professional Development

Our robust study leave policy supports access to relevant academic courses with local Higher Education Institutions.

Why choose us?

  • Support from ward-based Practice Facilitators available to all new nurses
  • We are part of the Cheshire and Merseyside Major Trauma Centre, one of the most successful in the country for saving lives
  • We lead the Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network, the first of its kind in England
  • We have the biggest neuro critical care unit in the country, holding 20 beds
  • Career development opportunities

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Nurse and patient

Are you interested in joining us?

For further information contact the following ward-based practice educators:

Ward based nursing:

julie.mcenerney@nhs.net 

Critical care:

carole.scott12@nhs.net 

paul.stone7@nhs.net

susan.williams93@nhs.net 

Theatres:

oliver.tierney@nhs.net 

Page last updated: 03 July 2023