Hospital invites nurses to take the next steps in their career on dynamic emergency unit

We are inviting nurses to a recruitment day to consider a career on our emergency assessment unit (EAU).

“EAU is a place where you can build a solid reputation and clinical education to build the career you want.” That’s the view of the EAU nursing team at the University Hospital of North Tees as the ward opens its doors as part of a nursing careers day.

The unit cares for patients who need immediate review and are expected to need further treatment on a medical ward. Now the team is looking for current or aspiring nurses to join the unit to build a solid foundation for a long career in healthcare.

The ward looks after patients with a variety of emergency healthcare needs, meaning new nurses can build up a wide knowledge of specialties to get a solid grounding for their dream role. But the ward also has recognised routes of progression and a new clinical educator in place to offer professional aid to support long careers on the unit.

Meet some of the team

Rebecca, sister

31-year-old Rebecca Cawley, from Hartlepool, always knew she wanted to be a nurse. In her own words: “It’s one of those cringe things but it’s true.”

After her dreams of becoming a nurse started to become true and she excelled in her degree at Teesside University, she found herself on placement as a student nurse on EAU. When Rebecca qualified in 2015, she applied for a job on the ward – and has been there ever since.

Rebecca said: “Everyone on EAU is so compassionate. We care so much about our patients and we get to see that difference that we make, seeing someone come in so critically unwell, looking after them and providing high quality patient care.

“We give our heart in all that we do. Knowing that we’ve made a difference and getting people better and back home – that’s what we strive for.”

Last year, Rebecca realised she wanted to progress in her career but was reluctant about leaving EAU. So when an opportunity came up to be a sister, she seized it.

She’s been in her role now since last June but shows no signs of slowing down her ambitions. She’s since been supported in completing a course on leadership management and is next looking into completing her clinical skills.

“If anyone wants to know a little more about working here, please just come and have a chat with us. Pop on the ward, have a look around, spend some time and talk to us – everyone’s more than welcome.”

John, clinical educator

31-year-old John Alvaiz qualified as a nurse in 2012 in the Philippines. He made the move to Hardwick in June 2022 where he began working on EAU as a staff nurse. Now, less than two years into post, John has taken up a new role as EAU’s first embedded clinical educator, supporting his colleagues on the ward with patient care.

John said: “I’ve only been here a couple of years and have already been given this great opportunity. Being from a different place and background, I’m really happy that I’ve been trusted for this new post and recognised for adopting the culture.

“It just goes to show that this environment I’m in is really supportive – it brings out the best in you.”

John’s new role as a clinical educator will be key in aiding newly qualified nurses on the unit, supporting with practical skills and building confidence as they put their learning into practice. He is also looking to establish a clinical education programme which will be available to all staff within EAU.

He continues: “My aim is to improve our service, and especially to empower all the staff nurses on EAU – seeing that everyone is fully equipped to deliver safe practice and care to all our patients.

“The ultimate goal is for every patient to be fully satisfied with the service that we have. As a clinical educator, I think I can really help with that.”

Beth, sister

Beth Cooke has worked on EAU since she was 17-years-old. After a stint working in community and gaining her nursing degree, she returned to EAU.

She has since progressed in her role and cites the encouragement and support of the team as being crucial in her journey.

Adam, nurse practitioner

After 25 years working in retail, Adam Breen took a detour in life and decided to change his career for something more meaningful.

After completing his nursing degree seven years ago, Adam, now 51 from Ingleby Barwick, has worked his way up the ranks to become a nurse practitioner. He has worked in the emergency assessment unit at the University Hospital of North Tees for over seven years now.

He said: “Being a nurse or nurse practitioner in acute medicine is dynamic. You’re constantly gaining knowledge and growing as an individual.

“EAU is a place where you can build a solid reputation and clinical education to build the career you want. It’s such a valuable experience for students, newly qualified nurses and staff wanting to upskill and advance in their careers.

“Any nurses who start their careers on EAU can get a good grounding and ultimately find their passion for a particular specialty – or stay, like I have.”