A study of a training scheme for Macmillan nurses in Northern Ireland.

AIM

To evaluate a one year training scheme for Macmillan Nurses.

BACKGROUND

The role of the clinical nurse specialist has evolved and expanded greatly over the past few years so that it now encompasses components far beyond the traditional nursing remit of direct clinical practice. While several studies have looked at the barriers and facilitators to this process for clinical nurse specialists in particular, none has looked at the benefits of a structured training scheme which involves both a theoretical and clinical component.

METHODS

Tape recorded, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a purposive sample of trainees who undertook the scheme, their practice-based facilitators and another person(s) involved in the trainee's support.

ANALYSIS

Tapes were transcribed verbatim and each transcript anonymized to prevent identification of participants. Data were analysed thematically using the main headings of expectations, experience and impact and the structured prompts from the aide-memoir within these headings.

RESULTS

Results showed that the majority of respondents felt the scheme had been successful with one of the main achievements being that trainees were perceived to be adequately prepared to take on the role of a CNS on completion of the scheme. While the Role Development Programme was thought to provide a good academic structure for the scheme some participants thought that more theory on symptom control and communication skills and a placement in a specialist palliative care centre should also be included.

CONCLUSION

The Macmillan Trainee Scheme has succeeded in its objectives to facilitate the transition from generalist to specialist nursing. It should be extended to include an induction and consolidation period and more theoretical input on communication skills and symptom control.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

With these improvements, the scheme could be used as a standard model for training specialist practitioners and a means to address the current issues of workforce planning.