Consultant Nurse, Older People

Job/Role Summary

The aim of the Nurse Consultant role is to improve both nursing and MD practice across care setting both by identifying areas for clinical/service improvement and challenging poor practice.

Sharing good practice initiatives via conference papers, publication and peer networks across the UK.

Specific qualifications and experience required

MSc and Specialist Practice. Track record of leadership and expertise in practice.

Career Milestones

First Ward Sister’s post at the age of 23, setting up and leading Northern Ireland’s first community stroke rehabilitation service, developing the post of Northern Ireland’s first Clinical Nurse Specialist in Stroke, Northern Ireland’s first Nurse Consultant for Older People, developing and leading the Trust new multidisciplinary  Care Home Support Team to ensure support for residents of care homes and quality of care in the homes.

What attracted you to this job?

The chance to further develop the  the work I had started as a Clinical Nurse Specialist across the whole of Southern Area.

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

The chance to influence person centred care for older people and working with the many disciplines and agencies that make this happen.

Challenging aspects of the job/role

Time management and the long drive to work!

Important success factors

Ensuring peer support via the British Geriatrics Society, permission to develop the post to meet local needs, supportive line management, Beeches/Kings Fund Leadership course.

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

Be creative, be open to new ideas, don’t be afraid to challenge and keep the focus on the patients and their families.

Key skills that can be gained within this job/role?

Courage, patience and negotiation skills.

Career Profiles