Heartbeat: Queen’s Nurse Susan Knight – By royal appointment!
August 7, 2020
Being recognised as a Queen’s Nurse is one of the most prestigious accolades anyone can receive in the nursing profession. It is awarded to nurses who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to patient care and nursing practice. Earlier this month, this coveted title was bestowed upon Susan Knight, Practice Education Lead.
It all began back in 1982 when Susan embarked on her nursing career. She told us: “I started my training in May 1982, and this marks my 38th year in nursing. District nursing wasn’t a field I had any prior knowledge of or had considered, but the placement I had with the district nurses had the ‘wow’ factor. I knew from the outset that this was going to be the path I would pursue. I felt the impact district nurses had on the lives of patients, their families and carers. The skill demonstrated in holistic care and flexibility, the way they worked to meet the patient needs seemingly with ease was inspirational. I knew without hesitation I had to become a district nurse.”
Susan went on to work as a community practice teacher for 10 years, teaching and inspiring future district nurses. In that time, she continued to further her education so that she could keep up to date with the latest developments. “I completed a BA (Hons) degree via the Open University. I then trained as a health visitor. It gave me the invaluable experience of working as a specialist public health professional. I extended my role by working as a contraceptive nurse specialist, a role that I still undertake. During my health visiting years, I held the position of an executive committee member for children and maternity services, and I was a nurse representative on the Trust board.”
Over the years, Susan’s career has continued to evolve as she has taken on different roles and responsibilities. This has been underpinned by her thirst for learning. “With my passion for training and education, I later transferred to a professional development unit. I went on to complete a Master of Science degree in Health Studies and a PGCE. My desire has always been to develop myself and learn, so in turn, I can develop others to uphold the principles that are central to being a nurse.”
In October 2019, Susan became practice education lead for district nursing. The purpose of this position is to enhance the district nursing service. “I’m responsible for ensuring the provision of high quality multi-professional learning environments within the community. My role focuses on enhancing nursing practice in terms of education and morale, as well as improving health outcomes to help prevent hospital admissions and enrich patient experiences.”
Another key aspect of Susan’s career has been supporting district nurse students. She is a key stakeholder in respect of the university curriculum including the revalidation of the specialist practitioner programme and was invited to the last graduation ceremony as a VIP procession member. In November 2019, she was invited by a previous student to attend the London Royal College of Nursing round table event.
Returning more recently to district nursing and leading a team, Susan put herself forward to join the ranks of the Queen’s Nurses and backed by her manager, senior lecturer at Wolverhampton University and a fellow Queen’s Nurse, sent in her application. “Working in this setting reinstated what I already knew, that district nurses are extremely passionate about their work, and it’s so inspiring to be part of such a culture.
“My team received two great acknowledgements in 2019 that we were so proud of. Michelle Melo, Deputy Director of Workforce Development and National Clinical Lead for Personalised Care from NHS England undertook a day shadowing the team. She highly commended our work stating her visit had demonstrated a high standard of personalised care, excellent relationships with the GPs and integrated care to improve patients’ experiences.
“At the 2019 Star Awards, our team won the local primary care award. No district nurse team had ever won this award before, and we were overwhelmed. Receiving these types of recognition gave me the confidence and inspiration to apply for the honorary title of Queen’s Nurse.”
Now that Susan is officially a Queen’s Nurse, she looks forward to attending annual meetings and developmental learning and leadership programmes. “I feel privileged to be part of a community nursing organisation that has the same values and passion for the profession as I do, this truly is the pinnacle of my career.”
Colleagues have been quick to praise Susan’s achievement. Line Manager, Louise Johnson, commented: “This is excellent news and very well deserved,” whilst another colleague said: “I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving, you are such an inspiration.”