Name: Ruth Bailey
Job title: Nurse Team Leader, Sexual Health and Contraception
Organisation: Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust
What is your current role?
I lead a nurse delivered contraceptive clinic as part of this service and I fit diaphragms, implants and coils. I am a line manager, I contribute to the service management team I have a responsibility for developing Governance regularly teach learners at all levels including pre and post grad Nurses, medical and pharmacy students and junior doctors.
What prompted you to do this role?
I am passionate about women’s health and see contraception a sexual health as a feminist issue. Sexual Health is hugely diverse, often working with disempowered vulnerable members of society. I see it as an area where Nurses can make a massive contribution to care, enabling people to take control over their own wellbeing.
What was your route to this role?
I fell in love with contraception as a practice nurses when I did my CASH module as part of my Community Nurse Specialist BSC. I enjoyed my placement so much, that I continued to work on the bank at the clinic, after I completed my course. I worked both as a practice nurse and a CASH nurse until a substantive post became available and I continued my career in this field. Three years ago, our service integrated so I developed skills in Sexual health.
What education/courses/modules have you undertaken to equip you for the role?
- MSc Nursing Studies
- BSc Community Specialist Practice (Including cash AND Cervical Screening modules)
- HIV ed STIFF course
- FSRH Diploma
- Letter of Comp SDI and IUDs
How do you see yourself developing your skills?
To become FSRH Trainer and Non-Medical Prescriber.
What is your long-term career plan?
To continue to develop expertise and to work in a developing country.
What advice would you give someone thinking about moving to work in sexual health?
Just do it!
What do you most enjoy about this area of care?
- Autonomy in nurse led clinics
- Independently managing episodes of care
- The diversity of the role and the breadth of technical skills
- I love it when I fit a coil and a patient says “That wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be”
