Are you a band 5 nurse thinking about becoming a band 6 soon?

Matron Karen Melling and Sister Linda Denham from Ward 8ab have developed a joint ENT and Orthopaedic band 6 development programme aimed at band 5 nurses looking to progress to band 6.

The programme was developed using existing competencies that other wards in the Trust have used as well as looking at material from NHS Scotland.

It's quite an intensive programme and asks colleagues to develop skills over a 6 month period in areas such as recording and managing staff sickness, site co-ordinator role, budgetary awareness, recording of Flo's etc.

They also have to complete a piece of audit work on a mutually agreed topic, have records of reflective practice and records of visits to areas relating to their practice.

Development Sister, Joanne Spencer said " it has been a really good experience, has enhanced my career and given me a great insight into the role of a band 6 nurse"

The orthopaedic unit has another staff member starting the programme next year and ward 8D's development sister, Dawn Smith is currently undertaking the programme.

If you would like a copy of the competency booklet then please contact Matron Karen Melling on 07769 880 020 or Karen.MELLING@cht.nhs.uk