Of the many ‘what ifs’ when running an oncology ward, clinical staff development and succession can have a significant impact on our day to day work. A lot can happen when someone goes on leave - uncertainty, lower productivity, even poor morale. If the vacancy is made by someone who holds key knowledge, the impact could be much worse.
Whether it’s planned leave, retirement or an emergency, it’s critical for any ward to have a succession plan prepared when a core member of the team is unavailable. The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS) oncology ward Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) Workplan outlines the processes and skills necessary for clinical nurses to fulfil higher duties and builds a NUM workforce for the future. (for a copy of the workplan, please contact the project lead using the details in the key contact box above).
This project was developed and driven by skills learnt during the Manage4Improvement program: a six-month integrated leadership and management program designed to build the confidence and capabilities of clinicians to support improvements in health service delivery.
