Behind the scenes: An ongoing series of glimpses into everyday life at The Clavadel

Profile of Helen Pybus, Practice Development Nurse

Continuing our regular look ‘behind the scenes’, we hear from Practice Development Nurse, Helen Pybus about her vital role in maintaining the Clavadel’s justly deserved reputation for excellence.

Helen, thank-you for sparing the time from your busy schedule to give us an insight into your working day…

As an experienced and respected healthcare professional, you are clearly ideally suited to your role as a trainer, but what attracted you to accept that challenge?

I have been qualified for 30 years now, working in a variety of roles that have included spells as a ward manager and matron. During that time, I have practised within the NHS, the hospice environment, and the private sector before joining The Clavadel in 2018. I have always enjoyed supporting staff and encouraging them to blossom within their respective roles. Both my parents were teachers, so it was a natural progression when, following the birth of my son in 2008, I ventured into education.

While I imagine no two working days to be the same, could you give us an idea of what a typical training session might include?

Training sessions are varied and could include supervision of a practice shift; induction shifts; clinical training on a one-to-one basis or in small groups; a CPD session for nurses; or reflecting on practice using a journal article or policy. I also take the lead in our annual mandatory training sessions for all Clavadel staff, which are held in January. This is a time when we come together to refresh our knowledge and skills, share current best practice, reflect on each other’s roles, and team build in a fun environment.

Scrupulous in its assessment of care facility training and staff, the CQC (Care Quality Commission) has consistently rated The Clavadel as ‘safe’, ‘caring’, ‘responsive’, ‘effective’, and ‘well-led’ - a testament to your talents. How, then, do you set about maintaining such high standards?

True excellence and exceptional standards of both clinical care and hospitality provision are paramount at The Clavadel, and all staff pride themselves in playing a key part in delivering this to every patient or visitor that walks through our doors. This is underpinned by training, which is pivotal in maintaining such standards. All new recruits receive induction, supernumerary shifts, and supervised shifts with a senior member of staff – either myself or Jane, our clinical supervisor and an experienced Sister. The entire team will also show newcomers ‘the ropes’ and assist them with procedures, in addition to the annual training and learning opportunities throughout the year.

Working ‘behind the scenes’ to achieve and consolidate your goals must be very rewarding. Do you experience a sense of common purpose with colleagues by constantly developing and raising the communal skill set?

I have discovered that all the Clavadel staff have a passion for education. We recognise the value of our differing roles and work openly and honestly in a supportive and caring culture that helps us to develop our practice together. As a result, it is lovely to be working alongside all departments in making that happen.

Is that feeling of camaraderie a part of what makes The Clavadel unique?

The Clavadel is unlike anywhere else that I have worked. Being a small, family-run organisation means that we actively help one another. I consider my colleagues to be my friends, so when patients join us, I believe they sense that special atmosphere and soon become part of the ‘Clavadel family’, too.

Considering the workload, it must be difficult to find a slot in everyone’s diaries. How do you manage to find time for the training sessions?

The annual mandatory training at the beginning of January works very well and is a chance to reflect on what we need to achieve as a team over the coming year. However, there is always ongoing training to be completed throughout the year. By understanding how the departments work – staff roles and individual workloads – we are able to fit training into our schedules. We always ‘think outside the box’ and are creative in our approach to ensure that training is given high priority and our knowledge base is kept updated.

So, does your timetable allow time to take part in familiar, day-to-day nursing duties, and is that ‘hands-on’ involvement still important to you?

Although I have a training role, which includes working supervised shifts with staff looking after patients, I also undertake a Sister role, too, where I work alongside my colleagues delivering care to patients. Both aspects of my job are extremely important and rewarding to me as I love my work as a nurse. Being proactively involved allows me to problem solve and acquire important insight into what is going on in current practice. This helps me to plan ahead and keep training sessions meaningful and relevant.

It seems you spend a lot of time helping others in a variety of situations, and admirably so. But what about you – how do you unwind at the end of the working day?

I love being outside and can be found gardening – sometimes with a glass of Prosecco in hand, or spending time with friends… again, Prosecco in hand!

Thank-you for talking to us, Helen, it has been interesting getting to know more about you.