Preceptorship programme achieves national gold standard
A national quality mark recognising excellent standards in supporting newly-registered nurses has been awarded to Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW).
Preceptorship provides a period of guidance and support for newly registered nurses and the Nursing and Midwifery Education team at MTW make sure new members of staff have the support they need to kickstart their careers, develop their confidence and put their knowledge into practice.
The programme provides 12 months of dedicated support for newly-registered nurses, including all those who are internationally educated, and experienced nurses help develop their practice, confidence, and skills. The programme also provides study days on topics including patient safety, leadership, and career development, ensuring patients receive safe and compassionate care from confident and competent staff.
“I’m really proud of our preceptorship programme which provides a supportive environment for staff to develop into safe and autonomous practitioners who will deliver care with skill, knowledge and kindness,” said Lisa Tritton, Lead Nurse for Education and Development.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be accredited with the Quality Mark. It highlights the fantastic work of the team and is great news for the Trust as well as those joining us for preceptorship. It also demonstrates our dedication to delivering the highest standard of care through our highly skilled nursing teams.”
The Quality Mark is the national gold standard and was created in 2022 when NHS England introduced the new national Preceptorship Framework for Nursing, which NHS trusts benchmark themselves against. The Quality Mark awards organisations which create an environment where new team members can thrive, learn and grow.
The Trust was commended on its individualised learning plans and study programmes, created to enhance skills and boost confidence and competence in clinical settings.
Chief Nurse, Jo Haworth said: “Our preceptorship programme has been designed to support the professional development of our new colleagues and promote multidisciplinary working. I’m incredibly proud of the offer we provide as a Trust and want to congratulate everyone involved for their work in obtaining this recognition.”