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Donna
Nurse Practitioner

I like the company ethos; there is the ability to develop your role as much as you would like. 

  • Why did you choose to work for us?

    I've worked with Medvivo for many years, firstly for Wiltshire Medical Services as a Telephone Triage Nurse. When 111 came in and we were due to be TUPED across I chose to stay with Medvivo.

    I like the company ethos; there is the ability to develop your role as much as you would like. There are great training opportunities and good team work within the bases. I also like the hours offered, it allows me to use my days and then work evenings and weekends.

  • What work did you do before you joined us?

    I did and still do work as a Nurse Practitioner in General Practice. Recently I've evaluated my work/life balance and reduced my hours at the practice in order to increase my work with Medvivo because I like the balance this offers me.

  • What do you get up to on a typical shift?

    On a typical shift I am predominantly based at one of the OOH bases. I see patients who have been triaged either by 111 or by our own Clinicians with predominantly undifferentiated illness. This can range from mild viral URTIs and earache in children to acute illness requiring hospital admission.

    The shifts are usually busy but mainly manageable as there is good communication with the Shift Coordinator. When there is no face-to-face contact then there is telephone triage to undertake. There is also responsibility for stock/drug control and equipment.

  • What do you like most about working here?

    I like the variety of the work and the autonomy the role provides. There is a good team spirit and support for each other when working at the bases. Depending on the base you are working at there will be another Clinician working alongside and if this is not the case there is always someone available at another base who will talk a case through with you.

  • What has been your biggest achievement?

    The job itself! Having worked in the supported environment of General Practice and then faced with the prospect of having to join Harmoni or increase my responsibility by working as an NP in an OOH setting, I chose the latter.

    I had worked with Jamie Brosch for several years at the practice and he had encouraged me to apply for an NP role long before I did. I never had the self-belief that I could do it. He was extremely supportive in me changing to the role.

  • What challenges do you face in your role?

    As above - the challenge of sometimes being the only Clinician on site and the responsibility this brings. This is especially true if you work at Trowbridge or Chippenham who have an adjacent MIU; it is amazing what people will walk in there with, believing they are attending an A&E. The more shifts you work, the more experience you gain. If you face the problem head on rather than hiding from it you learn from it.

  • What makes someone successful here?

    Firstly self belief. After that there is support and a good education network to feed from. The more you put yourself forward the more you will be recognised and encouraged to develop. The appraisal system helps you recognise your strengths and weaknesses and your Line Manager will actively encourage you in the development of the NP role.

  • How are you supported in your role?

    Richard my Line Manager is very supportive of development of the role and has developed an education system that is fit for purpose. If he is not available to discuss a problem I have never had a problem finding another Manager to talk to.

  • How does the approach to flexible working patterns suit you?

    I don't believe this really affects me as such. I do enjoy being able to pick up extra shifts depending on my social life though.

  • What makes us unique as an employer?

    The people who work within the company. It is getting larger which means it is losing that 'family feeling', however if you can ensure you make the effort to get to know everyone within the company then you do tend to be well supported.

  • What would you say to someone who is thinking of working for us?

    This happened to me recently - I encouraged my closest friend to apply for an NP post and I'm so glad I did - she loves it! So if you're thinking of applying - go for it!

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