Jessica Williams

Over the past few years, I have been working in an acute London hospital as part of a dynamic and busy palliative care team. I began my career in this setting as a Band 6 Associate Nurse Specialist and, through dedicated training and continuous professional development, I successfully progressed to the role of a Clinical Nurse Specialist (Band 7). This journey has allowed me to enhance my leadership abilities, expand my clinical expertise, and contribute to the high standards of care within the palliative care service. The main roles and responsibilities,

• Specialist Patient Care: Provide expert nursing care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, managing complex symptoms such as pain, nausea, and breathlessness, and supporting complex psychosocial and spiritual needs.
• Advanced Clinical Practice: Conduct comprehensive assessments, develop individualised care plans, manage my own caseload and deliver evidence-based interventions to optimise patient comfort and quality of life.
• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Lead and coordinate care within a multi-disciplinary team. I chair our weekly multi-disciplinary team meeting collaborating with doctors, social workers, chaplains, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic care for patients and families. I also manage the Palliative Care Team once a week which involves holding the bleep, supporting junior colleagues and triaging referrals.
• Palliative Care Education: Provide education and training to other healthcare professionals, including nursing staff on best practices in palliative and end-of-life care.
• Family and Caregiver Support: Offer emotional and practical support to families and caregivers, helping them navigate difficult decisions and manage the challenges of caring for someone with a terminal illness.
• Clinical Leadership and Mentorship: Mentor and supervise junior nurses and students, fostering their development in palliative care and supporting the team in maintaining high standards of care.
• Care Co-ordination and Discharge Planning: Co-ordinate the care of patients across different settings, including hospital, hospice, and home, ensuring seamless transitions and continuity of care.
• Audit and Quality Improvement: Lead quality improvement initiatives, conduct audits, and participate in research to improve patient care and outcomes within the palliative care service.
• Professional Development: Continuously engage in professional development, keeping up-to-date with advances in palliative care, and contribute to the development of service delivery within the organization.

During this time I worked as a Band 6 Sister on an Endocrinology ward and I was able to develop both my clinical and leadership skills. My main roles and responsibilities included the following:

• Patient Care and Management: Provide high-quality, patient-centered care for individuals with endocrine disorders, including diabetes, thyroid conditions, adrenal issues, and pituitary disorders.
• Clinical Leadership: Lead a team of junior nurses and healthcare assistants, providing mentorship, supervision, and support to ensure the delivery of safe and effective care.
• Diabetes and Insulin Management: Manage patients with diabetes, including insulin administration, blood glucose monitoring, and educating patients on self-management and lifestyle changes.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with endocrinologists, dietitians, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate and deliver holistic care.
• Patient Education: Provide education on disease management, lifestyle modifications, and treatment options to empower patients to take an active role in their care.
• Clinical Skills: Perform a range of nursing procedures, such as blood sampling, administration of medications, and managing infusion therapies.

During this short time as an Agency Nurse, I was able to work in different hospitals and wards completing the following:

• Patient Care: Deliver high-quality care to patients with a range of medical conditions, including administering treatments and monitoring vital signs.
• Clinical Responsibilities: Implement care plans, perform clinical procedures, and manage medications as per prescriptions.
• Documentation and Safety: Maintain accurate patient records, follow infection control protocols, and report safety concerns.
• Flexibility and Development: Adapt to various ward settings, engage in ongoing training, and maintain high professional standards.

I worked on a Surgical Upper Gastrointestinal and Thoracic ward, during this time I was able to develop the following skills:

• Patient Care and Management: Provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal and thoracic surgeries, including monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and supporting recovery.
• Clinical Procedures: Assist with surgical preparation, wound care, drain management, and monitoring for complications such as infection or respiratory distress.
• Multi-disciplinary Collaboration: Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to ensure coordinated care, participate in ward rounds, and contribute to treatment planning and discharge processes.
• Patient Education and Support: Educate patients and families on surgical procedures, recovery expectations, and provide emotional support throughout the care journey.