I am employed as a Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist...

...but due to staff shortages I am being asked to work on the wards for a percentage of my working week. I have concerns about returning to the ward not only because of personal competency issues but also that this will not be in the best interests of the people on my caseload. Please can you advise me?

Answer:

While the PDNSA committee can not become involved in individual cases we do feel our role is to support members and offer advice, drawing on the vast experience and network contacts available. Below are 10 suggestions from the general consensus of the committee and we appreciate there will be local influences and factors that will impact on options available.

1. Meet with your line manager to voice your concerns.
2. Check your job description and contract of employment.
3. Contact your union representative for advice.
4. Determine if Human Resources department are aware of proposed plans.
5. If the post was pump primed consider contacting Parkinson’s UK (PDS) for advice.
6. Discuss concerns with Regional PDNS group and Clinical Supervision sessions.
7. Ensure a risk assessment is carried out for change in working practice.
8. Consider competencies for change in role.
9. Contact PDNSA for opportunity to access further discussion.
10. Remember to document all actions and discussions.