Results day stories: David, Advanced Nurse Practitioner Clinical Lead

Results day stories: David, Advanced Nurse Practitioner Clinical Lead

Ahead of Results Day, we're showcasing the inspiring career journeys of colleagues across Northumbria Healthcare. 

Meet David!

What is your job title and where do you work?

I am the Advanced Nurse Practitioner Clinical Lead, working within the emergency surgery and elective care business unit. I work clinically across the same-day emergency care unit at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, general surgical wards and elective orthopaedic wards, at our base site hospitals in North Tyneside, Wansbeck and Hexham.

I also lead the business unit's team of Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Clinical Practitioners, Physician Associates and trainee practitioners. 

Can you tell us about your career journey so far?

• I began my nurse training in March 2005 at Northumbria University, studying for a Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing Studies/Registered Nurse (Adult). Having left school after my GCSE's, I knew I wanted to work in the healthcare industry. I undertook a health and social care higher national diploma following my GCSE's, but after gaining entry to Northumbria University, I switched to this.

• Following completion of my placements at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, I knew I wanted to stay and work for the organisation. In 2008, my first role was as a staff nurse in Emergency Care, initially at North Tyneside General Hospital, working between the Emergency Department and Emergency Care Unit; however, I was asked to go to Wansbeck General Hospital to help with staffing, again working between the Medical Admissions Unit and the Emergency Department. In 2012, I was extremely lucky to secure a trainee nurse practitioner post in surgery, which supported the Trust’s vision of opening NSECH years later, with a team of practitioners caring for patients at what would become the base site hospitals. During my training, I completed my advanced clinical skills and non-medical/independent prescribing, which were particular highlights of my journey.

• I later took up a post as a Night Nurse Practitioner within the hospital at night, working between Wansbeck General Hospital, North Tyneside General Hospital, and later NSECH. I absolutely loved this role; no two nights were the same. From supporting the hospital with operational flow, staffing, site safety and security, to reviewing patients on the ward, supporting the medical and nursing teams, to managing a caseload of patients in the ED with varying conditions. This role helped me grow both clinically and as a leader, learning to lead with compassion, kindness,  and fairness, and to support those in our care, both staff and patients.

• Following the opening of NSECH, I joined the Urgent Treatment Centre. This role helped me focus on developing my clinical skills in managing minor injuries and illnesses. A short while later, I saw an opportunity to work in the newly formed Northumbria Primary Care as a nurse practitioner. I was very nervous about joining a new team and working in primary care, given my background in secondary care. I thoroughly enjoyed working in primary care, working with new patient groups, developing longer relationships and exploring new ways of working in a challenging environment. I learned a lot about myself in this role, and understood I enjoyed working in the hospital environment.

• I returned to the trust in 2017 and started working in the Surgical Assessment Unit at NSECH. This was a small team; however, the service was growing rapidly, and another practitioner and I were the first to work on the unit. Our team and service grew, incorporating the medical ambulatory care unit, the base site surgical and orthopaedic wards, and gynaecology. Now I currently lead a team of 73 practitioners working across multiple specialities and hospital sites, providing 24-hour high-quality care. Some of the proudest moments in my career were qualifying as a nurse, gaining my first nurse practitioner job and winning a staff award as manager of the year, which my team nominated me for.

• I have recently completed my master's degree in healthcare leadership and management, which I was fully supported through by the trust and my managers. This has helped me unlock new knowledge and skills within this aspect of my role. Studying for a master's degree and working full-time was challenging, but with the great support of my team and managers, I completed this successfully. 

What does a typical day look like in your role?

No two days look the same for me, working as an advanced nurse practitioner. I care for patients attending the hospital with a wide range of surgical conditions. I request investigations, interpret them and arrange a treatment plan. I work with my colleagues from the wider MDT, including allied healthcare professionals, and receive support from the medical workforce. Being a knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate clinician is vitally important to me, as it ensures I deliver high-quality, evidence-based care. My clinical role can take me from the same-day emergency care unit, assessing and helping patients at the hospital's front door, to the elective orthopaedic wards, caring for patients after surgery. The role is vast, and maintaining clinical credibility is important for the second aspect of my role.

As the clinical lead, I can be involved in staff development, recruitment and organisation of the practitioner team. I am also asked to give expert advice on the enhanced and advanced practice workforce. Working alongside senior leadership to challenge standards of care and drive quality improvement. I feel that my strong clinical background enables me to influence leadership decisions at the highest level.

What do you enjoy most about working for Northumbria Healthcare?

The best thing about working for the trust is the people and the level of support I have received. I really feel that I have found a second family in terms of belonging and support. I have worked with some fantastic staff members across all roles and professions who have shaped my career and helped me become the nurse I am today. The investment into continuing professional development, work-life balance and career development I have found to be great.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

My best advice to my 18-year-old self would be to learn how not to overthink everything! The world can seem big and overwhelming, but everything works out in the end, and worrying about it never helps. Another big bit of advice would be, be yourself. I have had loads of support and acceptance for just being me.

To discover careers at Northumbria Healthcare, click here.