Health board boost as experienced recruits join up

‘SOME of the most experienced’ newly-qualified nurses (NQNs) have joined NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in recent months.

More than 600 NQNs have started their employment recently to boost staffing levels across sites against an increased number of patients.

These new recruits have extensive experience which is unique to them, as many joined NHSGGC earlier on in their degrees to support frontline care during the first and second waves of the pandemic.

Working in elderly care on Ward 55 at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Jasmin, said: “It was tough coming in early as a Band two.

“The pandemic magnifies all the care we are trained to provide.

“I worked in a Covid-19 ward and it hit home the importance of providing compassionate care at all times.

The 25-year old added: “There’s no such thing as a stupid question here and I’ve never met a more supportive group of staff.

“They’ve all been here before so they know what it’s like.

“While I now have lots more responsibilities in the delivery of care, everyone is here to support each other which has helped me settle into the role.”

Morag Gardner, Chief Nurse for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s South Sector, said: “It is fantastic to hear positive feedback from our new nurses regarding the support around them.

“Despite joining during one of the toughest, if not the toughest time in the history of the NHS, they have hit the ground running.

“These are some of the most experienced, newly-qualified nurses we’ve ever seen which is of huge benefit and we’re sure they will all go on to have successful and impactful careers within the health service.”