Uka’s Career Journey – Advancing Care Through Clinical Education
Uka, a dedicated nurse at Yarnton Residential and Nursing Home in Oxford, has made great progress in her career by focusing on learning and professional development. A key moment for her was completing the MSc Advanced History Taking and Assessment module at Oxford Brookes University, an opportunity fully funded and made possible through Sanctuary Care’s commitment to staff development. This course helped her build stronger clinical knowledge and improve how she assesses residents.
Uka journey is just one example of the many nurses benefiting from exceptional training and development opportunities at Sanctuary Care, driven by Chief Nurse Emily O’Hara’s strategic focus on empowering clinical teams through clinical practice development resulting in improved experiences and outcomes for residents. For Uka, this wasn’t just another qualification, it was an important step in her growth. “Undertaking the module was a vital investment in promoting quality initiatives,” she explains. The skills she gained have improved her own practice and helped her team deliver better, person-centred care.
Sanctuary’s support was a big part of her journey. Head of Clinical and Advanced Practice, Amy McGrath, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner provided support with clinical advice and assessment in practice in addition to the backing colleagues in the home helping Uka to reach her potential. The organisation showed its commitment to helping staff grow and improve care. “Sanctuary’s decision to support my academic pursuits prioritises staff development as a pathway to improving resident care,” she says.
The module also helped Uka with taking the next step in her career. She now feels more confident in taking on leadership roles and getting involved in projects that focus on improving care. “Embracing these skills has enabled me to forge new pathways for advancement,” she reflects. Her new qualification has made her a helpful mentor to her colleagues, sharing her knowledge and encouraging others. Her development has had a wider impact across the home.
Residents and families have noticed the improvements, and staff feel more confident. “These improvements affirm the positive impact that advanced training can have on an entire care environment,” Uka adds. Her journey shows how education and support can help nurses grow and improve care for everyone, and echoes Sanctuary Care’s dedication to championing nurses’ professional growth and development.
