Page 50 - QARANC Vol 14 No 13 2016

48 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Where are they now?
Many Corps members have been asking for some articles from those who have left the Corps – maybe for the reassurance that there is a world outside!
In this edition we have focused on three Corps members who all served at differing times and at different ranks but are now employed by Nuffield Health.
When Army Nurses leave the Forces for a civilian career, how do they find a role that’s as empowering and rewarding? These three Army Nurses share their experiences of the tran- sition and their current employment:
Lt Col (Retd) Carol Kefford (née Poulten)
I spent 20 years in Queen Alexandra’s Roy- al Army Nursing Corps and served as a Nursing Officer in the UK, Hong Kong and Nepal, so life was good. It was pretty var- ied too with postings to the former QA Training Centre as Company Officer Recruit Training and OIC the Student Officers Course, plus a very happy three years in re-
cruitment and finally OC Nursing at 202 Field Hospital. Then I left to be matron of the Nuffield Health Oxford Hospital. It wasn’t a move I took lightly, but everyone there was so en- couraging and friendly that I felt it was the right one. It mattered to me that Nuffield Health are a charity and I felt there were big opportunities to grow and make a real difference. Much like the Army, they too have a nationwide network of hospitals and medical centres, although you don’t have to wait for a posting order to move location; you can just ask!
In search of more commercial and financial responsibility, I progressed to a Hospital Director role in Bristol. Thankfully I was treated to a fantastic induction from the regional team and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. But with an unshake- able urge to travel, I then set off to sail around the world (as you do!). Again, I was thrilled by how understanding Nuffield Health was. I did some interim work for them on my travels, then, after seven years, I was invited back as Chief Nurse on the Operations Board; and I’m happy as ever. I’ve got tremen- dous friendships and terrific support (handy as it’s quite a step up from operating winches to the Operating Board!). I’m also surrounded by talented colleagues. And the focus is on our patients above all else. I can vouch for that because in my role my views are listened to at the highest level, and I’m driving the strategy to support patients and staff.
For example, I introduced the Preceptorship Programme for newly qualified nurses and with huge help from a lot of my colleagues I think we have created something very spe- cial. Over nine months it offers a wide spectrum of training, including peer-to-peer coaching, a mentor, work placements, and master classes. It’s incredibly exciting. By investing in our nurses, we make sure our patients receive the best possi- ble care. Actually, at Nuffield Health we invest everything we make back into people, technology and facilities.
Overall, my role here has a lot in common with the Army. Being part of a team. The variety. The chance to make a meaningful difference. And the fun!
Former Sgt Kim Taylor-Maskell
When I left the services in 2014, I found choosing a new career a daunting pros- pect. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left the Army, and I was a little nerv- ous. Then I met the Ward Manager of Nuff- ield Health York Hospital at a Careers Tran- sition Partnership event. She suggested I could start on a bank, non-committed con-
tract doing regular shifts while settling myself and my family back into civilian life. This gave me just the flexibility I needed. And before long, I took on a permanent contract, which has led to my current role as Senior Staff Nurse at Nuffield Health York Hospital.
Soon after taking this position on, I put myself forward to train and develop all the hospital nurses, something that I did as a Corporal. It’s been very gratifying to have Nuffield Health’s encouragement to use my military skills and become Train- ing Lead, and also to see how beneficial this has been for my colleagues. It’s very supportive here, and so I’m comfortable. There’s a ‘family’ ethos, just like I had with my Army team. Whenever you talk to the Senior Management Team they al- ways listen and give you time. And the benefits link in nicely with Army life too as you still have the same opportunities and sup- port to stay fit and healthy on the outside – free membership to all Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing gyms, for example, and healthcare cover, plus childcare vouchers and a cycle to work scheme. Because they champion an integrated approach to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and recovery, you really feel that you’re being looked after, much like in the services, and your family can access some of these benefits too!
Former Pte Hannah Gaisford
I’m now a Staff Nurse at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, but I started my civilian ca- reer as a Theatre Nurse. I quickly realised it wasn’t for me, so my line manager and mentor – from the Preceptorship Pro- gramme – suggested I rotate around the hospital to get a feel for the different areas. I took their advice and settled into life on
the wards. It’s personally significant for me, because I found out about the hospital when my dad was a patient there. I remember thinking how nice the hospital was. Dad had al- ready asked the ward sister if they needed staff, thinking that it would be a good place to work!
I made the right decision. It’s a really positive place to be and I put that down to the staff being happy. Nuffield Health have supported me from the start. As a nurse, I work shifts, but they are flexible with me and all my colleagues, and they try to ensure that our needs are met. It’s a very family-friendly environment and you feel there’s a real commitment to pur- pose and values, here, much like in the Army.
Forces life can be full of surprises. The same is true of Nuff- ield Health. No two days are the same, and some are incred- ibly demanding, but all it takes is a patient thanking you to send you home with a smile.
Any former member of the Corps who wishes to let us know about their new life and employment
experience please forward an article to the Regimental Secretary at RHQ or via regtsecqaranc@hotmailcom