International Nurses' Day

To celebrate Nurses’ Day on Sunday 12 May, we will be turning the spotlight on the incredible work of our nursing staff and the difference they make to patients’ lives across Yorkshire.

Nurses play a vital role in the pre-hospital multi-disciplinary team and compliment the skills of their paramedic colleagues, particularly in the fields of remote care, mental health and urgent care.

We have around 180 registered nurses who work in at least 30 different roles including:

• Senior Clinical Advisor (NHS 111 and Emergency Operations Centre)
• Specialist Nurse Urgent Care
• Outreach Practitioner
• Named Professional Safeguarding
• Clinical Pathways Manager - Mental Health
• Clinical Navigator (EOC)
• Clinical Operational Service Manager (NHS 111)
• Head of Investigations and Learning
• Head of Nursing and Patient Experience

We are currently developing our Nursing Plan for 2024-27 which will include several priority areas including:

• Nurse recruitment (including international recruitment)
• Professional Nurse Advocates
• CPD and professional development for nurses.

Spotlight on some of our nurses and the roles they do

Simon is Head of Investigations and Learning/Patient Safety Specialist with responsibilities including the Patient Safety Team, investigation of adverse events and delivery of family liaison support.  

He qualified as a nurse in 2008 and joined the ambulance service the same year.

“YAS is a great place to experience health care from the perspective of pre-hospital care, and nurses can bring a valuable alternative perspective to roles within the Trust. As a registered adult nurse, I find that my empathy and patient focus skills are extremely beneficial – especially in my role which involves working with sometimes deeply grieving families. I would love to see our profession grow and develop to roles, including frontline patient care, in the future.”

Shonagh is a Specialist Nurse Urgent Care who  attends jobs which have been assessed as urgent care appropriate. She carries additional drugs such as antibiotics, analgesia and anti-emetics and also a wound care kit, including suture kit, with the aim of treating patients in the community. She also attends emergency Category 1 jobs.

Shonagh has been a Registered Nurse since 1996, with a background in neurosurgery and ED and was latterly a Nurse Practitioner and team leader in an urgent treatment centre. She joined YAS in 2018.

“For any nurses considering a change, the ambulance service is worth serious consideration due to the diversity of roles that are available. As a nurse, I had lots of transferable skills which helped the transition into this role. Patient assessment essentially remains unchanged, it just needs to be adapted to the environment. This could be a patient's home or anywhere inside or outside. You need the ability to prioritise and adapt quickly as situations change and also to have the confidence to work, not only autonomously, but as a solo responder, and as part of a team with crews you may not have met before. There were gaps in my knowledge, but I had a good induction programme so between this and working alongside paramedic colleagues initially, I was able to identify and address these.”

Lesley is Head of Nursing and Patient Experience and is responsible for mental health, learning disabilities and autism, Patient Relations (complaints etc), patient experience and nursing leadership.

Lesley qualified as a Nurse in 2002 and joined the ambulance service in 2017.

“The ambulance service is a great place for nurses, we can compliment the skill set of our paramedic colleagues particularly in remote care, mental health and urgent care.  Some nursing staff feel like they will lose their clinical skills if they move into remote care, my advice would be to remember that clinical care is not measured in how many things you ‘do’ to a patient.  Rather it is about using our nursing skills to support patients remotely, to see beyond the illness or reason for call and into the patient behind it.  This is a different skill, but one that is so vital to our most vulnerable patients when they have urgent and emergency care needs.”

Dean is a Clinical Practice Developer, ensuring staff have the training to do their job to the best standard practicable.

He qualified as a Nurse in 1999 and joined the ambulance service in 2013.

"If there are any nurses out there considering a career in the ambulance service my advice would be go for it; well- supported development here is so much better than other trusts I have worked for. In my role, it's been helpful to pass on my experiences and knowledge for the benefit of colleagues' development."

We have recently recruited nurses from Kerala in India to work as Senior Clinical Advisors for our NHS 111 service; we interviewed some of them about their profession.

Anas has a BSc in Nursing, an MBA in Hospital and Healthcare Management, as well as being certified by the American Heart Association as an Instructor for BLS and ACLS. He has over a decade of experience in healthcare, including a stint as a Paramedic in Dubai. He's passionate about blending clinical proficiency with a thirst for knowledge. 

“My advice to future nurses aspiring to join the ambulance service is simple yet profound: Treat every patient the way you would want yourself or your family members to be treated, and let your nursing experience be your guiding light in the fast-paced world of emergency healthcare.”

Nithin is a Nurse with 13 years of experience in intensive care, cardiac care ambulance sector and emergency services.

"The nursing profession includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people so nurses play an indispensable role in society.

“If anyone is thinking about joining the profession, firstly, I would advise them to love and be dedicated to their profession. If anyone loves their profession, they can carry out their responsibilities in an efficient manner without any complaints.”

Shincy has been a surgical nurse for three years, providing care and support to patients before, during and after surgical procedures. 

“What I love most about nursing is the opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives. Whether I'm helping someone recover or providing emotional support, it’s fulfilling to contribute to someone's wellbeing. For those considering a career in nursing, my advice is to stay open to continuous learning and growth. Nursing is dynamic and requires adaptability and compassion. Building strong relationships with colleagues and patients enhances your career and brings fulfillment to your work.”

Jissa is a critical care nurse with over 15 years experience in various units including neurosurgical ICU, pediatric trauma ICU and cardiac ICU. 

"Key qualities essential to my role include sharp observation, critical thinking, rapid learning, and decisive decision-making skills. I find fulfillment in working with complex cases, witnessing patients transition from critical states to recovery, and receiving words of appreciation from them. 

“My advice to newcomers is to treat patients as family and commit to their training wholeheartedly, rather than solely for monetary reasons. Additionally, as the individual who interacts and spends more time with patients than their families, I believe that having empathy and serving as an advocate for our patients is crucial.”

Siyad has been working in healthcare field for over 14 years, with experience as an emergency nurse in hospitals in India and Abu Dhabi for three years, and as a paramedic in Dubai for 11 years.

"As an emergency nurse and paramedic, my role is crucial in providing immediate medical care to patients during critical situations. Whether it's responding to accidents, medical emergencies, or natural disasters, I am often the first point of contact for patients in need. One of the unique aspects of my role is the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, making split-second decisions that can be the difference between life and death.

"What I love most about working in nursing is the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives, often during their most vulnerable moments. If you're considering a career in nursing, my advice would be to pursue it with passion and dedication. Nursing is not just a job, it's a calling."

Suraj is a Registered Nurse with 17 years' emergency and ambulance experience.

“I find it very gratifying and motivating helping others in providing them with care. As a nurse, I have the opportunity to empower my patients and their families with knowledge. When I see that a patient understands their disease process and the plan of care, it is an awesome feeling. I believe that nurses have the ability to bring understanding and peace during confusing or challenging times.

“Becoming a nurse is an excellent way to make a difference in the lives of others and serve the community.”