Sara McNiff

Post qualification in 1996 (RGN – degree in public health nursing BSc completed 1999), I worked primarily the recovery setting. This allowed development of core patient care skills, including, airway management responding to varying acute needs as well the constant emotional support to patients being it acknowledging their nerves, fear and anxiety by offering appropriate, focussed and clear understanding and reassurance. I collaborated closely with clinicians in this area as part of a multi-disciplinary team (which included endoscopy lists), where at times I was called upon to circulate in theatre too, providing additional patient support. In 2006 following redundancy, I was forced to consider a moved to the commercial sector as an account and project manager for a major international healthcare company. My time tho evolved to be a very worthwhile opportunity to experience and learn new skills particularity in business, administration and IT that served to only enhance my skillset when i eventually returned to my nursing roles.

In 2010, I returned to the NHS in the role of day surgery practitioner - recovery. My home location changed, and so, in 2011, I accepted an invitation to join another international healthcare company. However, the role did not match the job description and so in late 2012, I returned to the healthcare sector (BUPA) as a recovery RGN/HDU nurse, to be nearer to home.

Once again, I was responsible for patient care in the immediate post operative window (including airway management, pain control, wound and infection control and management). I was rotated into HDU assigned in a 1:1 role which included my being involved in more intensive and invasive activities, working closely with (reporting directly to) the medical team.

I was then seconded to the BUPA health clinic. Here I worked autonomously as well as collaboratively with a rotating panel of GPs. I prepared patient health assessments, (structuring approximately 8 assessments a day), completing screening and diagnostic tests, meticulously documenting results, then communicating these in concise and easily digested format to aid the (under pressure) reviewing GP. I was repeatedly commended for my initiative when responding to and highlighting symptoms suggestive of additional concern and need. Having identified limitations in BUPA's support programmes (e.g., geography/timing), I sought approval to identify alternative providers to support patient needs being met which was always my priority.

I left this role in 2015 for family reasons. Despite this resulting in my registration lapsing, I believe the skills set out above, remain and can (where necessary) be swiftly updated. I live in central Bury St Edmunds (4 minutes from WSH). I have unfettered availability and flexibility.

• Ipswich Town Football Club - season ticket holder for 25 years
• Cycling -road and spinning
• Travel

Sales person of the year 2008- biosurgery

NMC Registration Personal Identification no. No. 93D08575 - lapsed 2017

Royal College of Nursing member -No. 1169925