Resuscitation Officer

Job/Role Summary

• Staff Training
• Equipment management
• Cardiac arrest audit
• Practice development

Specific qualifications and experience required

• Registered Nurse – part 1
• Advanced Life Support Instructor
• Experience of paediatric resuscitation

Career Milestones

Staff nurse – coronary care unit – nursing seriously ill patients, team work and leadership. This has had a significant impact on me personally – it gave me self-confidence and assertiveness.

What attracted you to this job?

I wished to further my career and enjoy the challenges of a new role. I believed I needed a change.

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

• Staff training
• Organising and directing resuscitation courses
• Responsibility for my own decisions on a day to day basis

Important success factors

• The backing of senior managers
• Replacing old equipment with new
• Offering a quality service and the introduction of more courses

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

• Ensure there is a long induction period, for example 10-12 weeks.
• Shadow a resuscitation officer for some of this induction.
• Ensure your training plans are realistic.
• Don’t take on too much too soon.
• Be persistant with line managers.

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

I have become more assertive when attempting to seek change. I have built up lasting relationships with colleagues and have gained respect in many areas. I have learned to respect others. My ability to teach has much improved. I also think I have become a better listener and that others can confide in me.

Career Profiles