Whipps' careers clinic "paved the way for my next step"
We caught up with David after he used the career support services we have here at Whipps to find out his experience of using it and a little more about him.
- How long have you worked here?
I’ve worked at Barts Health for a year and at Whipps Cross as Practice Development Nurse in ED for the last two months. Before my current role, I was a Research Nurse for the Royal London and Whipps Cross.
- What attracted you to the job?
I’m really passionate about nursing education so that we can, as a profession, improve our standards of care. I did something similar to this in my previous role, but with a research focus. My matron at the time, Ruth Green (now Senior Nurse in Surgery), saw my potential and pushed me to go for this role and I’m really glad she did – I’m a champion for nurses, I want to develop them and help them achieve their ambitions and dreams.
- What does your job involve?
I’m responsible for making sure that nurses and the emergency department are training to a standard where they provide excellent care. I help staff plan their careers, inform them about educational opportunities and also help them comply with their statutory and mandatory training.
I also spend time on providing pastoral care for staff, helping them through issues in confidence.
- What do you like most about your job?
The daily hugs! Whenever I tell colleagues about opportunities and courses they can take advantage of to help their career, they’re always really grateful and usually show this in the form of hugs.
I really like working alongside staff and imparting some of my knowledge and skills on them and avoiding my computer whenever possible! I’m love the fact I can get to know them and encourage them to come up with ideas that can improve the department. I’m also big on team bonding and living our values – they’ve really struck a chord with me because they’re encourage us to be better people – which benefits patients too.
Not forgetting the tea too – Joe Kelly in the education team makes an excellent cuppa.
- How did you hear about the nursing careers clinic at Whipps Cross?
I was working here in the research team and I saw a poster for Chris Pinch’s careers clinic up on the department’s notice board.
- What did you take away from attending the clinic?
Chris was brilliant and gave me really good advice that has paved the way for the next step in my career.
I went to see him back in February not knowing what to expect or what he was expecting from me. I left with a renewed energy about where my career could go and a good idea about how to get to there.
His advice was backed up by my Matron at the time, Ruth Green. Where Chris gave me the confidence to pursue the job I’m currently in, Ruth presented the opportunity.
- What would you recommend about the clinic?
Chris will explore opportunities you never knew that existed. I’d say go with an open mind and realistic expectations.
I would also recommend going to see him ready to talk about your passions – he can then translate them into realistic career path for you to think about.
- What’s your proudest achievement?
Receiving my operational service medial for the time I spent in Afghanistan as a trauma medic.
I was in the army for about four years and served in Afghanistan for 7 months.
- What has been your biggest challenge?
Probably encouraging and engaging nurses to realise their potential and take up educational opportunities – there’s lots out there!
- How would you spend an ideal day off?
I’m a big fan of running - I’m training for the Dublin Marathon in October so I’m spending a lot of time training for that.
I also like exploring London – go check out the Damien Hurst gallery in Vauxhall, it’s great!
Get in touch with Chris Pinch, Workforce Professional Development Lead Nurse, and chat to him about your nursing career.