The National Health Service (NHS) is a world-renowned healthcare system that provides services to millions of people in the United Kingdom. Within the NHS, numerous healthcare practitioners work tirelessly to ensure that patients receive the care and support they need. One of the key groups within the NHS are the newly qualified healthcare practitioners. These individuals have recently completed their training and are Managing Change in the NHS.
Considering the importance of how daunting the transition can be to move from an educational setting to a professional one, Alexandra James, aka AJ, shared her valuable learnings on ways to embrace the change as a newly qualified practitioner, at our recently launched Mylocum Healthcare Summit, ‘Trust Me, I work in the NHS’.
While sharing her experiences, AJ emphasises the need to ask questions, focus on learning, indulge in hobbies and eat well to put the best foot forward in the healthcare industry.
In this blog, we will explore the challenges of newly qualified healthcare practitioners while Managing Change in the NHS, the support available to them, and strategies for success in their careers.
Importance Of Newly Qualified Healthcare Practitioners
Newly qualified healthcare practitioners have recently completed their training and have been exposed to the latest developments in their field. They are full of fresh ideas and new perspectives that can help improve the quality of care. They can bring a fresh approach to healthcare delivery, challenging traditional methods and finding new and innovative ways to deliver care.
The NHS is under increasing pressure to offer high-quality care to a growing population. The demand for healthcare services is growing, and the NHS needs a steady supply of newly qualified healthcare practitioners to meet this demand. These individuals are the future of the healthcare industry and will play a critical role in delivering patient-centred care.
The NHS is also committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Newly qualified healthcare practitioners can help to enhance diversity within the NHS, bringing different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the healthcare industry. This can improve the quality of care provided by the NHS, ensuring that it is responsive to the needs of all patients.
Challenges Faced By Newly Qualified Healthcare Practitioners While Managing Change In The NHS
1.Adjustment to the new work environment
This is one of the biggest challenges for newly qualified healthcare practitioners. Moving from a university environment to a busy hospital or clinic can be overwhelming. In addition, the workplace culture within the NHS can be quite different from what newly qualified healthcare practitioners are used to. The fast-paced and demanding nature of the healthcare industry can be shocking to the system, and it can take time to adjust to the new environment.
2. Adapting to new technologies and practices
Another challenge that newly qualified healthcare practitioners face is adapting to new technologies and practices. The healthcare industry is evolving, with new treatments, drugs, and technologies regularly. As a result, practitioners keep up with the latest developments to ensure they provide the best care to their patients. This can be a daunting task, particularly when starting a new job.
3. Building relationships with colleagues
In the healthcare industry, teamwork is essential, and healthcare practitioners need to work together to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Building strong relationships with colleagues can take time, and newly qualified healthcare practitioners may feel like outsiders when they start their jobs. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, impacting their job satisfaction and performance.
4. Managing workload and responsibilities
Healthcare practitioners in the NHS are often overworked and under-resourced which can cause stress and burnout. Newly qualified healthcare practitioners may find it particularly challenging to manage their workload as they are still learning the ropes and may not have the time management and organisational skills to succeed in the healthcare industry.
Support For Newly Qualified Healthcare Practitioners
Fortunately, there is a lot of support available to newly qualified healthcare practitioners in the NHS.
1.Mentorship programs
One of the most valuable forms of support is mentorship. Many hospitals and clinics have mentorship programs to support newly qualified healthcare practitioners. Mentors can provide guidance, advice, and support to support them as they navigate the challenges of their new roles. They can also provide a sounding board for ideas and concerns and offer valuable feedback on performance.
2. Training and development opportunities
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and healthcare practitioners must be aware of the latest developments to provide the best possible care to their patients. Training and development opportunities can help newly qualified healthcare practitioners stay abreast of the latest developments in their field and develop new skills that will be valuable in their careers.
3. Professional networks and associations
These networks and associations provide opportunities for healthcare practitioners to connect with colleagues, share knowledge and ideas, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field. They can also offer access to resources and training opportunities that may not be available through the NHS.
4. Support from management.
Managers provide a supportive and nurturing environment for newly qualified healthcare practitioners to thrive. This includes providing regular feedback, offering opportunities for growth and development, and creating a workplace culture that values teamwork and collaboration.
Strategies For Success In The NHS
Starting as a newly qualified healthcare practitioner in Managing Change in the NHS can be exciting and challenging. Here are some strategies to help you succeed in your role:
1. Continuously learn and upskill.
Attend training courses, read professional journals or relevant books, and seek opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues.
2. Build strong relationships with colleagues and patients.
Building positive relationships with colleagues and patients is essential for success in healthcare. Collaborate with your colleagues, seek feedback, and support each other. Develop rapport with your patients, listen to their concerns, and involve them in their care decisions.
3. Prioritize patient safety and quality care.
Patient safety and quality care should be at the forefront of everything you do. Follow infection prevention protocols, double-check medication doses, and be vigilant for any signs of deterioration in a patient’s condition.
4. Be adaptable and flexible.
The healthcare environment is constantly changing. It’s crucial to be adaptable and flexible. Be open to new ways of working, embrace technology, and be willing to take on new responsibilities and challenges.
5. Take care of yourself.
Working in healthcare can be demanding both physically and emotionally. Prioritise self-care, take regular breaks, eat well and seek support whenever needed.
These strategies can help you thrive in your role and provide the best possible care to your patients.
Wish to learn more about the strategies suggested by the healthcare professionals themselves? Head to the link to immerse yourself in the sea of unparalleled insights.
There is no doubt that newly qualified healthcare practitioners are critical to the NHS. They bring fresh ideas, new perspectives, and a range of skills and expertise to the healthcare industry. They are essential to meet the growing demand for healthcare services, filling skills gaps, driving innovation, and enhancing diversity within the NHS.
Frontline employees in the NHS who are handling change require ongoing encouragement and support.To encourage them to persevere in pursuing their professions with courage.
FAQs
1. Can a newly qualified nurse be a practice nurse?
Yes, a newly qualified nurse can become a practice nurse in the UK. Prior nursing experience is required for the majority of practise nurse jobs. Before becoming eligible for positions as practising nurses. Newly qualified nurses might need to acquire experience in other nursing roles. To become a practice nurse, nurses usually need to have completed a nursing degree and be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
2. NHS newly qualified nurse salary
The salary for newly qualified nurses in the NHS can vary depending on the location and type of job. In general and newly qualified nurses start on the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale at Band 5. Which has a starting salary of £27,055 annually. It’s crucial to remember that the NHS paysits are evaluated every year. The potential salary for freshly licenced nurses may therefore vary.
You can go visit our website and you can go to the CV-Library to find more job opportunities for All Healthcare Workers.
