"As an academic health science centre, we are responsible for promoting a culture of education and research to deliver better patient care." Maggie O'Brien, director of midwifery and head of nursing.

Improving pre-registration education and training
Clinical education and learning
We support clinical education in practice through the standardisation of clinical education across the Trust. We will also develop outstanding clinical learning environments and identify Beacon learning sites.

Develop a culture of research and continuing professional development
Increasing numbers of degree qualified nurses
In 2011, 25 per cent of existing nurses at the Trust were qualified to degree level. We aim to increase this to 50 percent by offering additional resources and opportunities.

Increasing numbers of master’s qualified nurses
In 2011, two per cent of nurses and midwives have a master’s qualification. We aim to increase this to ten percent by offering additional resources, including 30 places each year on research master’s courses.

Research
Development of nursing and midwifery clinical academic pathways
We will establish structured clinical academic pathways at master’s, PhD and post-doctorate level.

Establishing clinical academic networks
We facilitate the development of cadres of nurses and midwives to form clinical academic networks (CANs) within clinical programme groups. Part of the CAN's remit will be to advise and support the translation of research findings into the clinical setting.

Nursing and Midwifery strategy 2010
The Trust purchases contract courses with funds provided by NHS London. Our provider Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) include: Thames Valley University (TVU), Bucks New Uni (BNU), Kings College London (KCL), London South Bank (LSBU), Greenwich University and the Royal Marsden. These funds are closely managed to ensure that all contract places are filled and nursing staff are provided with every opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills, using the most up to date evidence. We value our nursing staff and recognise that education and development is a great motivator, which will lead to the improved patient experience.

The Trust funds a full range of study opportunities, from single study days and short courses/modules to full degree, master’s and PhD programmes. Staff are encouraged to plan their learning through profiling, and build towards their final degree/qualification.

Support is offered to candidates undergoing these programmes by the clinical practice educators who not only encourage and support staff but also offer education and clinical advice and training.

We offer in-house training and study days to our staff nurses and health care assistants. These range from end of life care and patient observations, to tracheostomy care, pain and epidural management, and basic and intermediate life support and ALERT. We also have a comprehensive online learning programme for IV training which includes eight modules and bespoke competencies which registered nurses have to complete before administering intravenous (IV) medication. This ensures nurses are fully prepared and more confident in IV administration. All of the wards have qualified mentors who attend annual updates and take on the responsibility of supporting mentees in their development.

Our in-house training is held in our own classrooms, seminar rooms, IT suites, lecture theatres or conference centres and the rooms are well equipped to support learning. Some of the university courses/modules are held in on site to accommodate the large number of our own staff who attend and to reduce travel time. This works well for our nurses attending BNUs Mentorship in Practice programme and the Foundation to Critical Care programme.

We pride ourselves on the investment of our staff and have the expectation that patients who visit our Trust will have a positive experience and feel confident that they are being treated and cared for by staff who are skilled, knowledgeable, caring and keen to develop and provide the best experience for our patients.

Testimonial 1 – BNU
“I studied at Bucks firstly towards a Hons degree in nursing which I completed in July 2009. It was a good experience at Bucks; the tutors were very helpful and always available. Examples of how the course has expanded my knowledge and therefore benefited the patient include management and leadership skills which I apply when I take charge on the ward. 

My use of reflection to improve practice is greatly enhanced and as mentorship was a component of my course I have been able to pass on my skills. I am currently studying MSc advanced practice which is giving me a deeper insight into the conditions affecting my patients. I am finding this very challenging but rewarding at the same time.” Sophie Smith

Useful links
Below you will find links to relevant information for post graduate nurses at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
• Nursing strategy
• Nursing careers websites