The 24hr care model and necessary tools like Datix unintentionally fuel a blame-and-shame culture, where mistakes outshine effort and accomplishment. How do we tackle this systemically, and prevent nurses burning out over their minor errors that overlook all they've done well?

It’s been almost 3 months as an NQN, which has been full of many firsts. Just like a baby develops in their first year, the growth in such a short time has been huge. This week was another milestone: I moved wards mid-shift and I’m so proud of how I managed it!

The term ‘bed blockers’ unfairly blames patients failed by a system with no suitable alternatives. They deserve compassion and appropriate solutions. Fixing this benefits everyone, freeing up beds for those in urgent medical need.

I graduated in Sept '24 and was lucky to land an NQN post by Jan. Many from my cohort are still banking as support workers, and some have left nursing altogether. With more graduates, competition grows. The issue isn't a surplus of nurses, but a system strained by budget cuts.

Low nursing staff levels don’t just impact nurses, doctors are often forced to step in to do tasks like cannulations or even act as escorts when wards are short. Safe staffing is essential for the whole team, and ultimately, for patient care.

Just had my triennial cervical screening. The appointment takes under 5 minutes and saves lives. This is your friendly reminder to book yours if you're due. 💙 #CervicalScreening #HPVAwareness #NurseLife #PublicHealth #WomensHealth #GetScreened #PreventCancer

Happy International Nurses Day! 🎉 Celebrating my first as an RN whilst enjoying my annual leave in this beautiful weather. 🌞 Taking breaks is essential for a healthy work-life balance and preventing burnout. 💙 #NursesDay2025 #SelfCare

I’ve written a reflective piece I'd like to submit to Nursing Times. Does anyone have experience publishing with them and have advice on how to go about it? Also, do I need to go through my Trust or can I submit directly?

After 3 months of working as an RN, I hit a new milestone, I took the dreaded CD keys home with me. Thankfully clocked it before getting into my house … still cost me an extra 40 mins 😬

That feeling when you get the notification that your work roster is live.

Today is my official graduation day. I didn’t attend for a mix of personal reasons and a busy schedule. I have the certificate, I’m working as an RN. What matters most is that I was fortunate to have found work 4 months after qualifying. Not everyone’s been as lucky. 🎓🧑‍⚕️

Good luck to all the new F1s starting today and practicing as doctors for the very first time! Starting something new is never easy, but we nurses are here to welcome you to our wards. I hope my fellow nurses are kind and patient as you begin this exciting new chapter.

6 months as an NQN & my biggest barrier to quality care is the lack of CSW support. Poor ratios + rising 1:1s leave our wards stretched. RNs’ roles are then compromised to fill in the gaps. We need to increase, invest in and value our CSWs in order to provide safe and good care.