"With the number of newly qualified nurses and those coming to us from overseas, I thought that a nice little handbook with tips and tricks would be handy.
The aim of the book was to give some support if they needed a quick reference guide.
After pitching the idea, I started to think about what key areas I would have appreciated help with when I first started and built on it from there. I asked newly qualified nurses and ward managers for any things they would want added as well.
Before I knew it, I had 18 chapters and was looking for way to produce it into a neat pocket size book.
We managed to do this, with the help of a wonderful admin apprentice and 50 copies were delivered and some handed out just before Christmas. When I came back to work, I was met with requests from nurses (and students) who had seen my book and wanted their own copy to keep.
It had been so popular that I only had nine copies left. A new order was place and copies of the guide are now being handed out to students on placement with us as well as even more new starter nurses.
Staff feedback so far has been positive along with suggestions as to what to include in a second version, which will be coming later on in 2024, along with a book for our Health Care Assistants!"
If you would like a copy, please email caroline.
penders @spft.nhs.uk