Becoming a Ward Leader is an exciting time in your career and is an achievement of which you must be justifiably proud.
The role brings with it much responsibility, and we are very keen to support you.
This Handbook has been developed as a ‘toolkit’ to help you in your new role, providing signposts to where you can get help and support when faced with new issues which you commonly might encounter as a newly appointed ward leader.
Of course, there are many people who can help, including myself and my Senior Team and we are always happy to be contacted individually and to meet on any issues you wish to discuss, so please do not ever be afraid to contact us.
There are also a number of regular Nursing Forums for Sisters and Charge Nurses, the details of which are regularly circulated, and are held every four to six weeks.
I would strongly encourage you to attend these sessions, as they provide an opportunity for the Senior Nursing Team, to meet directly with you, discuss issues of professional interest and to seek feedback on any innovations, or suggestions for change.
This is an important part of your role and your continuing professional development as we work collectively together for the benefit of our patients and our staff.
Our NMAHPs Strategy
I would like to also direct your attention to the Trust’s Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals Strategy, which sets out our ambition for the future and aspirations for professional practice.
The quarterly Nursing and Midwifery Bulletin is also published on our intranet and provides an update in terms of professional issues across the Trust.
You can find out more about the senior nursing team on our Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals webzone which we recently launched along with our new NMAHP strategy.
Outstanding reputation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a big, busy organisation with a great reputation for its patient care and outcomes.
I look forward to working with you to uphold these high standards, and to make sure you get all the help you need to be successful in your role.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time, if I can be of any help or if you wish to discuss any concerns or suggestions for improvement.
