The benefits of being a steering committee member

Published: 18 March 2013

Amanda Broom, RCN Society of Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing steering committee member, reflects on the benefits that her time on the committee brought her

Having had the privilege to have been elected onto the RCN Society of Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing (SOTN) steering committee and been part of the committee for five years, I have some very positive reflections to share.

Project involvement

I was asked to be involved in starting to look at an international pathway for patients with hip fractures, a collaborative project with our friends in Malta. This involved emails, Skype meetings, planning to meet with and present at two international conferences with colleagues from Malta, and lots of teamwork all round.

Confidence

My own confidence grew enormously through chairing sessions at conferences, and also presenting to audiences.

Communication

This has become easier over recent years with technology, but although all committee members are far and wide across the UK, we had regular Skype meetings, keeping us in touch with ongoing work/projects.

Teamwork

You get a sense of working within a great team, particularly at conferences. You never feel you are working alone; there is always someone to ask for help/advice.

Friends

This is probably the most important thing for me in that I have gained many friends far and wide who I still keep in contact with.

Support

Overwhelming support from those friends and colleagues, whether it was or is related to your own work or to SOTN projects, which in turn boosted my confidence and motivation.

So, if you are thinking of being part of this fantastic committee, my advice is do it! Good luck.