Ever considered becoming a Learning Rep?

Published: 14 September 2012

Siew Ping Crane, a Learning Rep at a hospice in the South East region, explains why she loves her role.

"I believe that learning is a lifelong thing and I have always been interested in promoting learning in the workplace, so it was an obvious step for me to take on the Learning Rep role.  

"As a Learning Rep, I engage with my colleagues and employers to ensure we  have the learning opportunities we need to provide excellent care and deal with changes of practice.

"At my workplace we have a wonderful education department which helps us to keep updated with the ever-changing health service. When my hospice was setting up a Hospice at Home service, I engaged colleagues in the NVQ Level 3 certificate in Palliative Care. They were so proud to be accredited for skills that went on to make an enormous different to patients, both within the community and inpatient services.

"I am a night sister, and it is also great when student nurses come in on night duty as I engage them in learning and we work together to promote learning in the workplace and excellence of care. 

"Night staff can so often miss out on learning, so it's great to be able to promote this too, whether it's through one-to-ones, group sessions or e-learning."

The RCN supports learning reps through a range of tools and learning events. More information is available by contacting croydon.office@rcn.org.uk.