An employee at an Ayrshire care home has become one of the first care workers to complete an NHS initiative, primarily set up for ward nurses.
Victoria Haswell, who works at Bupa’s Claremont Care Home in Whitletts, undertook the Flying Start programme over a four month period, while maintaining her daily work responsibilities.
The Flying Start initiative aims to develop newly qualified nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to build their confidence in the first year of practice. Keen to progress within her role, and supported and encouraged by Claremont, Victoria jumped at the opportunity to get involved.
Victoria says: “The aim of the programme is to ease you in from student to nurse and it does exactly that.
“There is a lot of personal reflection involved and a focus on being an independent learner, and it gave me so much confidence. I’m keen on academia in general so it was something I really worked hard at and I’m so happy I did.
“Being one of the first to complete the initiative while working in a care home is special and something I’m very proud of. I would definitely encourage other care home nurses to follow in my footsteps as it really is worthwhile.”
Carol Barr, home manager at Bupa’s Claremont Care Home, says: “This is a fantastic achievement for Victoria and it’s a real reflection of all the hard work she puts in day in, day out.
“She is a pleasure to work with as she is passionate about her role and very committed to the residents at Claremont. We all look forward to seeing what she achieves next!”
All newly qualified health professionals who join NHS Scotland can take part in the nationally approved Flying Start programme.
