They are allocated to a team with a Band 6 mentor and a Band 7 team leader, and are assigned to a Clinical Educator.
Foundation Course
As part of the ongoing educational support to achieve Step One competencies, new starters are also enrolled on the Joint Critical Care Foundation Course, designed to give nurses new to critical care specialised training in areas including respiratory, cardiac, renal and neuro care.
We continue to support our nurses through a 'buddy' system as they take more individual responsibility for care delivery. There are also regular progress reviews with Band 6 mentors and Band 7 team leaders.
Study days
We offer our staff regular in-house study days on topics such as respiratory and renal care, and advanced cardiac therapies.
These enable new and existing staff to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Alongside completion of their Step One competencies this training allows our new starters to begin looking after patients who need more advanced support, such as renal replacement, nitric oxide and intra-aortic balloon pump therapies.
All CTCCU staff are enrolled in the Trust's Critical Care Tracheostomy Study Day as part of their training. As they gain experience there are opportunities to take on roles such as bay co-ordination, and to join a clinical interest group and get involved in teaching, auditing and quality improvement projects.
Professional development
Professional development on CTCCU is further enhanced by the opportunity to undertake the Thames Valley Critical Care Course with Oxford Brookes University.
This postgraduate study is an important step in career progression for staff looking to advance to Band 6 and above in critical care.
We support all nurses who undertake the course, by providing both study time and mentorship. Alongside this there are also opportunities to shadow co-ordinate the unit with Band 7 colleagues as part of the development towards applying for Band 6 roles.
What our staff say
"I've had a very positive experience... everyone has been approachable, patient and willing to guide me whenever I had questions. I've been able to develop new skills and gain confidence in managing critically ill patients with the team's support. The unit has a friendly atmosphere which made it easier to settle in and feel part of the team. Overall, I've really enjoyed working here because of the collaborative environment and the encouragement to learn and grow."
"Transferring to CTCCU has been a meaningful step in my nursing journey. While the transition has presented its challenges - including periods of adjustment - it has also offered valuable opportunities for growth and development.
"One of the most helpful aspects of the process was the opportunity to complete an observation visit beforehand. It allowed me to gain a clearer understanding of the environment and helped ease the uncertainty I initially felt about moving into a more critical care-focused setting. That experience made a significant difference and helped make the transition more manageable."
From a new member of staff reflecting on their experience of working an orientation shift:
"I thought it was really good. The people were really helpful and liked showing me things... everyone was really educational and helping me... and everyone was very nice as well … I really enjoyed [the orientation shift] and it helps people understand what it is like working here."
