Learning and development
Excellent health care support workers never stop learning – and many of the “100 Top Tips” we received focus on the importance of ongoing development.
Star tip:
Don’t be afraid to challenge registered staff as long as you do so respectfully, in private, and with evidence/reason to back you up.Learning and development
Be open
Be open to new ideas and new ways of working: don't do things just because you have always done them that way. Sometimes you need to be pushed out of your comfort zone and learn a new skill.
Be confident
Have the confidence to pick up the phone and ring the RCN for advice at any time of the day.
Read
Reading journals is not only a great way to relax, but also gives you the underpinning knowledge you need to be the best at your job.
Reflect
I reflect after every shift on what I feel I did well and what I think I could have done better.
Study
Education: continue to better yourself, and you will provide an improved level of care for your patient, gain respect from your colleagues, and gain confidence in what you are able to do.
Learn and apply
Always have a zeal to learn and apply what has been learned. It can be challenging at times, but that is where teamwork comes in.
Speak up
Sadly mistakes happen – health care and people are complex. Speak up and acknowledge what's happened so it can get sorted.
Observe
Take every opportunity to ask questions of the multidisciplinary team about why they work in a particular way, or what their job entails. The more knowledgeable you are, the more confident you'll be in answering questions effectively.
Ask
Ask questions – I truly believe there is no such thing a as a silly question! You might have spotted a drug error or a patient who doesn't quite seem right.
Page last updated - 03/08/2019
