In-house training course wins national award
A new generation of intensive care nurses is thriving thanks to an award-winning in-house education programme that has helped strengthen and retain the trust’s critical care workforce.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Critical Care bridges classroom learning with clinical practice without the burden of university fees.
More than 65 nurses have completed the programme since its launch three years ago to address a gap in post-pandemic training.
Lecturer Practitioner Melanconia Duval Pazzaglia, an experienced ICU nurse seconded from the University of West London, has worked closely with the education and intensive care teams to develop the programme.
Melanconia drew on her own clinical experience as an internationally trained nurse to help redesign the course reflecting the evolving demands of critical care practice. This includes modules on academic writing and communication to support overseas nurses working for the trust.
Melanconia said: “I know first-hand how daunting it is to adapt to a new healthcare system and language while trying to pursue further education which is why we made it a priority to create a learning environment that is supportive, practical, and empowering.”
The programme also encourages students to design and implement quality improvement projects which encourages leadership. These projects include nurse-led antibiotic stewardship and a mindfulness strategy to reduce stress and improve resilience.
The team’s work was recognised at the Nursing Times Awards where it won the Nurse Education Provider of the Year (Post-Registration) category beating more than 600 applicants. Melanconia added:
“It highlights the brilliant work happening across the trust and I hope it inspires others to share their own innovations. When we invest in our nurses, we invest in better care for our patients.”