An Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) based in Caithness is hopeful of influencing change as part of her involvement with the Queen's Nurse Development Programme.
Kirsty Bain, an ANP based at the Three Harbours Medical Group in Wick is committed to creating positive change and making a meaningful, lasting difference to the care and experiences of the patients and families in her local community.
She said: “The Queen’s Nurse Development Programme brings together community nurses from across Scotland to develop leadership skills, reflective practice and quality improvement. It provides opportunities to learn from experienced leaders, work alongside peers from different community settings, and become part of a network of nurses who are committed to improving health and reducing inequalities.
“Working in a GP Practice I see first-hand the increasing complexity of patients' needs, the challenges of health inequalities, and the importance of delivering collaborative, person-centred care. I hope this programme will give me the knowledge, skills, confidence and networks to influence change beyond my own clinical role, support service improvement, and help shape how care is delivered within my practice.
“For me, being offered a place is such an honour. It represents recognition of the contribution I have made as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in general practice, but more importantly, it provides such a fantastic opportunity for me to grow both personally and professionally. I feel incredibly privileged and proud to be a nurse in NHS Highland, and I am excited to embrace everything this course has to offer. I cannot wait to see where this journey will take me.”
Kirsty will commence course one in September. There are three courses to complete and the title of Queen’s Nurse will be awarded on the successful completion of all three courses.