Heartbeat: Nursing career escalator – the fast track to success

January 30, 2019

Over 40 band five nurses, who scored 4A or 4B in their PDR, have been selected to join our nursing career escalator programme.

This programme is the first of its kind, both locally and nationally, and is designed to support, retain and develop talented colleagues, whether they want to develop their skills within a clinical role or aspire to move into a management position.

The programme will see successful applicants embark on an exciting learning journey of local and national training programmes, such as single improvement methodology, developing personal resilience and emotional intelligence.

Heartbeat spoke to Head of Education for Nursing and Midwifery, Helen Cope to find out more.

“The nursing career escalator programme is spearheading the introduction of development opportunities for colleagues,” said Helen.

“It offers participants bespoke development opportunities which are tailored to their individual needs and aspirations – whether that be clinical or developing their managerial skills.

“Participants also have opportunities to shadow clinicians, develop clinical skills and knowledge, as well as undertaking the accredited manager courses.

“All of the participants will also develop a competency portfolio throughout the programme detailing, documenting and demonstrating their progress and development within the programme.”

One of the first people to receive their invitation was Staff Nurse, Sam Metcalf who has worked at our organisation for over 18 years and she told Heartbeat of her delight at being selected.

“Following my PDR my manager recognised that I am keen to learn, develop and progress and when I was scored so highly, they spoke to me about the career