Paediatric Gastroenterology Nurse Specialist

Job/Role Summary

• Development and expansion of Paediatric Gastroenterology service.
• Coordinating the care management of children and there families with GE conditions including transplant patients.
• Development of programmes of care for all patients within the caseload.
• Provision of telephone helpline service for patients, families and healthcare professionals.
• Reducing frequency of outpatient attendance and hospital admission.
• Act as a resource person for children attending with GE conditions either outpatient or inpatient
• Management of Paediatric Endoscopy/Colonscopy theatre sessions.
• Liaison Role with various Specialist Units within the UK
• Development and setting of standards.

Specific qualifications and experience required

• On NMC Register Part 1
• 5 Years Post Reg experience within last 7 years- 2 at E Grade or above.
• Three of the five years should be within the acute paediatric setting

Career Milestones

After qualifying as a children’s nurse within the trust, I gained experience working with children and their families. Following this I became team leader of Home Ventilation team for a three year period, during which time completing a diploma in asthma and respiratory Care Prompted by this I undertook a degree in Community Children’s Nursing. I returned to the Children’s ward to consolidate all the theory and practice.

What attracted you to this job?

• Specialized in an area of interest
• Enabled me to immerse myself in a specific area
• Presented me with teaching opportunities and learning opportunities for my own development
• More sociable hours, no night shift
• Higher Grade

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

• Like the challenge of managing own caseload.
• Enjoy the input I have through the patients care experience, especially following transplant surgery
• Clinical Role
• Networking with various regional hospitals and professionals
• Member of BSPGHAN British Society for Paed Gastroenterology, Hepatology and nutrition- Meeting yearly

Important success factors

• A very forward thinking Consultant who was instrumental to the success of the service.
• Positive feedback from patients and families – being able to support them.
• Support and encouragement from colleagues

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

You should gather lots of information from other disciples; working closely makes the job more successful. Don’t be afraid to admit if you do not know something. Don’t loose sight of you aims when trying to set up a new service. Set realistic goals of what is achievable within the time frame.

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

• Time management Skills
• Organisational skills
• Flexibility adapt to service need

Career Profiles