Change is coming to the Preceptorship programme
This update has been produced to provide more
information about the changes to the preceptorship programme
following the national introduction of the band 5 Newly Qualified
Paramedic (NQP) role and the assimilation of experienced paramedics
into band 6.
It is recognised that there is a degree of
uncertainty surrounding what these changes mean and how it will
affect staff and it is hoped that providing this information will
help dispel any myths and reassure those affected.
What has happened so far?
A national process has seen the paramedic job
role match the criteria for band 6 – experienced paramedics have
now been moved to band 6, ahead of a national job description being
published in June 2017.
As part of this, for the first time
there is a national definition for the Newly Qualified Paramedic
(NQP) role. NQPs will remain at band 5 and enter into a 24 month
programme of preceptorship and on successful completion will be
promoted to band 6.
During the transition period, staff who were
registered and employed as paramedics prior to 01/09/16 have been
moved to band 6 – those registered and employed as a paramedic
after 01/09/16 will remain as NQPs at band 5.
What has not yet
happened?
As part of the ongoing development of
preceptorship within SECAmb, the Clinical Preceptorship Procedure
will be reviewed and an updated version will be released which will
cover the entire 24 months of preceptorship (the current procedure
describes a 12 month duration).
There are likely to be some similarities to
the current procedure but there will also be some changes – the new
national programme offers the opportunity to continue improving the
support we offer to newly qualified paramedics within the
Trust.
Crucially so far there have been no
changes to either scope of practice or the preceptorship procedure
and preceptees should therefore continue working to the current
arrangements.
What is going to happen
next?
As part of the development of the NQP
programme the Trust will review the way in which NQPs are educated
and supported through the early stages of their career.
The Trust recognises NQPs as competent but
inexperienced clinicians and any changes made will be to support
staff development and not to impose arbitrary restrictions.
As part of professional registration all staff
have an obligation to remain fit for practice – in terms of both
clinical and personal ability – and the Trust is committed to
helping all our staff achieve this through the provision of
appropriate clinical and educational support.
Will I lose my autonomy? The Trust promotes shared
decision making as best practice for all clinical staff,
irrespective of grade or experience. This does not reduce autonomy
but improves patient safety as well as protecting staff.
Will I be assessed on my clinical
practice? Clinical practice is currently appraised through
operational line management (i.e. Clinical Team Leaders). This may
change with the new operational structure which includes
operational team leaders and senior paramedics, however the aim
will be the same: to support safe and competent practice.
How does this compare to other
Trusts? All Trusts are required to follow the same
national principles for NQPs, however SECAmb has the advantage of
an established preceptorship programme which should lead to a
smoother transition period.
More information is available
via StaffZone under ‘paramedic transformation programme’.