Series 1

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Education for Specialist Nurses- Episode 1

The pandemic has brought many challenges to specialist nurses, including the need to maintain educational requirements and professional development. In this episode, Karen and Paul discuss the challenges with Dr Terri Porrett as well as the acceleration of digital solutions. We explore how reflection can support both professional and personal wellbeing as well as the future of nurse education. 

Episode 2- Exploring the Journey of a Stoma Care Nurse Specialist

Starting any new job or role within nursing can be a daunting experience and making the leap to a specialist nurse post is no different. This transition period from where a nurse can go from being an expert to an experienced novice can give a feeling of excitement and trepidation at the same time. In this episode, Paul will be joined by Maddie White, former chair of the ASCN and clinical lead at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, to share some of her insights into making the transition to becoming a stoma care nurse specialist.

Episode 3 - Managing Recurrent UTIs In ISC Users

Many people are concerned about getting a UTI when they regularly perform ISC and research shows that 40% of ISC users feel UTIs are a daily concern. On average, someone performing ISC will have 2.7 UTIs a year.

In this episode, Karen speaks to Sarah Hillery, lead nurse and urology ANP, about the impact of recurrent UTIs and how we can approach this challenge clinically. 

Episode 4- Old Wives Tales In Stoma Care

Join Paul and Dr. Terri Porrett as they discuss how stoma care has changed over the years. From the days before convexity to the use of validated tools. This episode explores some of the myths and misconceptions in stoma care and how we can ensure we deliver the best evidence-based practice.

Episode 5- It's Okay To Not Be Okay: Wellbeing For Specialist Nurses

Mental health and wellbeing have never been as much in the media as it has been of late. Paul and Karen are joined by Dr. Terri Porrett in discussing that “it's okay not to be ok”. Join them as they discuss how we can help ourselves and each other during challenging times. Signposting to resources that may support you and your colleagues in ensuring that we care for ourselves as well as our patients.

Coloplast Professional has run a series of webinars focusing on wellbeing for healthcare professionals. You can watch them on catch-up here.

There are a range of tools and resources available to healthcare professionals. NHS England has provided this summary.

Silvercloud has a free-to-access program – Space from Covid. You can find out more here.

For more information about wobble rooms and other great initiatives have a look at the Academy of Fabulous Stuff.

Episode 6 - ISC: A Users Perspective

As nurses, we are familiar and comfortable with the concept of self-catheterisation but what it is like for people who are taught ISC? Karen speaks to Jason Gunn who has used ISC for a number of years. Jason tells us his story and gives an honest insight into his experience and how ISC can be introduced and individuals supported appropriately.

Episode 7- Using Validated Tools In Clinical Practice

In this episode Paul talks to Natasha Rolls about the validated tools that are available for ostomy care and how they can be used in clinical practice to improve care.

Episode 8- All Things NICE

We are all aware of NICE guidelines but what impact do they have on practice? In this episode Karen discusses the purpose of NICE with Rachel Ainsworth and Michelle Hogan-Tricks. They explore the different types of guidelines they produce and talk about how they can have a positive impact on practice and patient treatment.

Episode 9 - The Value Of Specialist Practice

Many clinicians appreciate the value of specialist practice, but it remains poorly understood by some. In this episode, Karen and Paul speak to Professor Alison Leary about how to demonstrate the value of specialist nursing and the benefit that it brings.

You can find out more about the Apollo Nursing Resource here.

Information on the NHS Job Evaluation job matching service that is discussed here.