Professional Nurse Advocate role
Pre-COVID19 data showed that a third of Critical Care Nurses experienced severe burnout, with 86% experiencing one of the three classic symptoms of exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduced personal accomplishment. (Moss et al. 2016). The pandemic has exacerbated this exponentially, leading to a desperate need to prioritise the mental health and well-being of nurses and reduce emotional burnout, (Nicki Credland, Chair of BACCN, 2021). In response, Ruth May (Chief Nursing Officer for England) announced in March 2021 the immediate role out of the Professional Nurse Advocate Programme in England starting with 400 critical care nurses. Each Critical Care unit in South West has at least one nurse who has completed or is undertaking PNA training. They are there to support all critical care nurses through restorative clinical supervision (RCS), education/development and quality improvement. All of which aim to have a positive impact on staff wellbeing, patient safety and experience. To arrange a RCS session or find out more about this role speak to the PNA on your unit