Earlier this year we shared the good news that eight Springhill Care Home staff had embarked upon a course which will result in them qualifying as assistant practitioners.
We’re now pleased to say that following a 12 week tutorial in anatomy and physiology, some members of the course have completed an examination in this field which they have successfully passed – with some even achieving top marks to be awarded a distinction.
The role of assistant practitioner is exciting and innovative, designed to offer suitably experienced staff in the care industry the opportunity to develop clinical and management skills and to provide support to nursing and medical teams.
Working within their own set of professional boundaries, the assistant practitioner will be able to undertake assessments of residents’ needs, offer advice, take specimens for testing and arrange clinical investigations. Alongside their nurse colleagues, an assistant practitioner will be able to meet the needs of those at risk of developing chronic disease, supporting people with advanced conditions including end of life care, while administering medication across a range of medical conditions.
The assistant practitioner is a positive, pro-active response to the current nursing shortage across the country, which is likely to last for many years. While the programme is new to all healthcare staff, whether within the NHS or private and voluntary sectors, emphasis is placed on ensuring all candidates are appropriately experienced, with the basic knowledge and confidence to undertake the programme.
Springhill Care has developed an individual development plan for each staff member and their career progression is carefully monitored, as each person is encouraged to follow a personal learning pathway. As a result, we have successfully achieved a workforce where expectations are met by prestigious, high quality learning and promotion within the company, which results in excellent standards of care and support for those who choose Springhill as their home.
The support offered to the team is paramount to both the success of the programme and the development of individuals. Springhill Care Home is honoured to play a part in the solution of the national nursing shortage by being amongst the first to offer the course, as part of our ongoing commitment to excellent care services. We’re even receiving enquiries from several health authorities and groups seeking our advice and assistance in running the programme – our innovation and enthusiasm is spreading.