Katie Tongue

Band 5 registered Nurse with extensive expertise providing first-class care in district nursing. Meticulous attention to detail in the monitoring and treatment of patients for continued positive progress and results. nursing qualified. Diligent nursing professional with demonstrated success in emergency patient care. Agile and responsive to dynamic patient needs and environmental conditions. Team-oriented and reliable with expert healthcare knowledge, clear verbal and written communication skills and sound clinical judgment. Hardworking nursing professional bringing 13+ years of experience delivering exceptional care to all patients. Knowledgeable about requirements and skilled at maximizing patient comfort and safety while meeting strict cost control standards. Well-organized and forward-thinking in managing patient needs. Caring Nurse with 13 years of experience in diverse healthcare organisation working with all patients. Adept at introducing detailed care plans and coordinating patient care through interdisciplinary collaboration. Demonstrated expertise in physical, psychosocial, developmental and educational aspects of nursing care for all patients and families.

I am self-aware and I practice within my limitations, following NMC standards, national guidelines, and trust policies. I am currently the Infection Control Champion in my team. I have to take part in monthly audits of the health centre and address any issues and cascade information in regards to infection control. I also have to make sure that my team are up to date and compliant with the Trust’s infection control policies and procedures.

The National Health Service (NHS) has dramatically changed over the last 15 years and The NHS Long Term Plan (2019) recognises that there are still changes to be made and sets out a clear direction for the NHS. The long term plan highlights that more care will be delivered locally with community health care services working closely with social care to create integrated out of hospital care. District nurses work closely with an integrated team of health and social care professionals, providing dynamic, reactionary, person-centred care using preventative care, health promotion and key clinical skills to reduce hospital admissions (Cornwell, 2012).

There is a growing focus on prevention and the reduction of health inequalities that are prevalent. At a local level, One Liverpool (2019-2024) sets out a clear vision for a healthier, happier and fairer Liverpool for all. This strategy strives to reduce health inequalities evident within the city which is represented by an 8 year life expectancy gap between the most affluent and most deprived areas in the city. This can be done by forging new relationships between the CCG and city council. The district nurses will play a key role in working with patients to determine what is most important to them and their community. District nursing plays a vital role in primary health care and the new vision of the Model for District Nursing (2013) acknowledges the key care that district nurses deliver in their local communities, providing complex care in collaboration with key partners.

The National Health Service (NHS) has dramatically changed over the last 15 years and The NHS Long Term Plan (2019) recognises that there are still changes to be made and sets out a clear direction for the NHS. The long term plan highlights that more care will be delivered locally with community health care services working closely with social care to create integrated out of hospital care. District nurses work closely with an integrated team of health and social care professionals, providing dynamic, reactionary, person-centred care using preventative care, health promotion and key clinical skills to reduce hospital admissions (Cornwell, 2012).

There is a growing focus on prevention and the reduction of health inequalities that are prevalent. At a local level, One Liverpool (2019-2024) sets out a clear vision for a healthier, happier and fairer Liverpool for all. This strategy strives to reduce health inequalities evident within the city which is represented by an 8 year life expectancy gap between the most affluent and most deprived areas in the city. This can be done by forging new relationships between the CCG and city council. The district nurses will play a key role in working with patients to determine what is most important to them and their community. District nursing plays a vital role in primary health care and the new vision of the Model for District Nursing (2013) acknowledges the key care that district nurses deliver in their local communities, providing complex care in collaboration with key partners.

Effective leadership is an essential component of an evolving National Health Service (NHS). While it remains high on the government’s agenda and despite the literature being dominated by calls for strong and effective leadership, a report by Francis (2013) identified poor leadership as being one of the main contributing factors to inadequate standards of care delivered to patients following a public inquiry at Mid Staffordshire hospital.

I understand leadership styles and I am aware of the complexities that come with managing change and how to manage personalities. As a district nurse leadership skills are crucial, and I feel that I have the skills and knowledge to be an effective leader. What's more, as a leader it is important to create an environment where clinical professional development can be fostered, evaluated, and disseminated. Strong leadership is necessary if a team is to deliver high quality care and I believe I have the strength and character to fulfil this. I believe that I lead by example and always strive to deliver best practice by motivating others. I am currently a preceptor and I endeavour to tailor learning and information to suit their individual recipients. I have also supported many students throughout my time qualified.

The use of information technology such as smart phone, mobile applications and laptops is crucial in enabling better and more personal care within the NHS and is highlighted in the NHS Long Term Plan (2019). The use of modern IT allows a positive change in relationship between patient and healthcare. IT enables healthcare to be more effective as systems and services become integrated.

I have a wide range of IT skills and I am confident in using technology. I use my laptop, applications, and smart phone on a daily basis. I input regularly, I am confident in the use of EMIS and DATIX for reporting purposes. All the work for the team is planned and allocated electronically via EMIS to ensure that planned patient schedules are correct and patients seen as planned. The system allows for the sharing of information across teams and by professionals as required.