Want to set standards in older people’s care?

Communications TeamNews

Fancy joining a team attracting national attention for setting standards in the care of older people?

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is offering nurses the chance to take their careers to new heights in its nationally-acclaimed Department of Elderly Medicine (DME).

Undergoing a significant transformation in the last two years, the department pushes boundaries to achieve excellence in patient care while maintaining its top ten ranking in the care of older people.

Now, the trust is offering nurses, either newly qualified, already qualified or almost qualified, the opportunity to join its DME team as part of its Remarkable People, Extraordinary Place recruitment campaign.

Nurses will be offered an outstanding training and education package to progress their careers and develop their nursing skills to the highest of standards.

Stacey Healand, Senior Matron in DME, said: “Our patients benefit from the best the NHS has to offer because we work as a team to drive up standards and achieve excellence.

“However, nurturing new staff is equally important to us so we make it our mission to support them in the development and progress of their careers.

“Working with older patients is a demanding job and we make no secret about that. But for those seeking a highly rewarding career in nursing, there can be few that beat this job.

“Not only will you work to the highest of standards in a supportive and friendly environment, we’ll ensure the hours you work are flexible to your needs and fit around family and home life.”

The team is also encouraging nurses who may have been working outside the health service for some time the chance to return to the NHS.

Stacey Healand said: “This is a perfect opportunity to come back to the NHS if you’ve been working in the care sector or elsewhere. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been away for years or months, we will support your return.”

As part of the recruitment drive, the trust has produced a video with Kirsty Norris, a Sister on Ward Nine in the DME.

Kirsty told how she thought she might not have the grades to study to become a nurse at the University of Hull but was able to begin her studies as an adult learner at the age of 21.

By the end of her first year at university, she knew she wanted to work with older people and now loves the multi-disciplinary approach to DME, with physiotherapists, dieticians and pharmacists working alongside clinical staff to look after patients.

She said: “What makes DME different is the support from management. Any problems or concerns, there’s always someone there.

“In DME, it’s all about team spirit and it’s like having that sort of family life in your working life.”

If you’re interested in joining the DME, call Stacey Healand or Kay Brighton on 01482 674131.