The multi-disciplinary Preceptorship Development Programme at ROH is a 12-month long programme for Newly Qualified and International NMC (nurses and nursing associates) and HCPC (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, etc.) registered staff members. It is aligned with the gold standard National Preceptorship Framework for Nursing and is designed to provide structure, support and guidance in the first 12 months post registration. This is to enable staff to become integrated into their team and place of work, embed their knowledge in everyday practice and improve their confidence.
The programme at ROH, which was awarded the National Preceptorship Quality Mark in January 2024, supports staff for the entirety of their first year in the Trust. Preceptees attend monthly study days, covering a variety of topics: Wellbeing, managing risk, communication & leadership (amongst others).
Preceptees are supported by a Preceptor in their clinical area who regularly checks in with them and supports them as they complete their Preceptorship Workbook. This encourages Preceptees to reflect on their first year post-registration and achieve competencies specific to their job role.
The programme culminated in a celebration day to recognise the cohort’s achievements with a celebratory lunch. Emma Steele, Deputy Chief Nurse, presented certificates and badges to the 4 who have fully completed the programme as well as “Silly Awards” certificates and Winning Team prizes.
Debs Brennan, Clinical Educator, commented: “This celebration day is the culmination of 18 months of hard work. The programme has been hugely successful, and feedback has been really positive. Our Preceptees have loved having a day each month to meet together, develop friendships, expand their knowledge and, importantly, have some fun! We’re proud of all we have achieved this year – especially being awarded the National Preceptorship Quality Mark back in January, as well as the positive culture we have created in this learning space that has made preceptees feel valued and safe.
I want to say a huge thank you to Sam Scone (Preceptorship lead) who was instrumental in the programme’s creation and success as well as our Nurse Leaders, Clinical Area Managers and the rest of the Education Team, who have been hugely supportive of this programme.
We look forward to celebrating the success of future Preceptorship cohorts.”
Emma Steele, Deputy Chief Nurse, added: “The Preceptorship programme offers the structured support our staff need to transition their knowledge into everyday practice successfully and encourages a lifelong journey of reflection and the ability to self-identify continuing professional development needs. This commitment to ongoing learning not only supports our staff in their development, but it’s also linked to improved recruitment and retention which in turn is important for delivering better, safe and effective care. I’m delighted to see this cohort successfully come to the end of their programme and look forward to seeing them continue to grow.”
Congratulations to the first ROH preceptorship programme cohort:
Sreelakshmir Raju, Damanti Basnet, Margaret Mutale, Akash Gopi, Cresta Celestial, Ovenonne Obiwuru, Reza Chouhan, Ajinkya Malap, Harryson Ejaz, Isaac Adekanmbi, Matilda Anoruoh, Kelly-Laura Ndefru, Grace Ann Assasie. Muhammad Adam Khan, Victoria Preston, Nicola Loyd, Lauretha Onyemalu, Gisele Khinkolo, Sourish Mahapatra.
Lauretha Onyemalu, Senior Rotational Physiotherapist, commented: “I am so glad to be among the first cohort of this programme. What a year gone so quick but it would not have been as awesome if I did not get the support needed from people who are passionate about building and sustaining an environment where people feel safe and supported. The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Preceptorship Programme has helped me to settle in well. I can’t forget the unwavering support I have received from each and every one of the Preceptorship Team, this has made me settled to a great extent after coming from another continent and culture entirely.”
