Any community or district nurses here?

[FaithInfinity]

I’ve got an interview next week for a community job and just thought I’d ask for any hints and tips please?! What are the best bits? What are the biggest challenges you face? I’ve got many years of elderly care experience although I’m in a surgical job at the moment.

Hopeful bump?

Lone working would be one of the biggest challenges i would think. Good luck

Yes, lone working would be an adjustment from my previous experience. Someone close to me does lone working so I’ll quiz her about that!

Thanks for replying.

Safeguarding

Conflict within the MDT or difference of opinion

Prioritising urgent refferals

Thank you Easynow. Yes I’ve brushed up on my safeguarding today. I can use examples of my previous experience with conflict within the MDT. Prioristing urgent referrals would be new to me so I’ll look at that tomorrow.

Being organised too is really important, having all the needed supplies with you to treat your patient. It can be a nightmare if you work in a rural setting and you don't have supplies to treat a patient. I think dealing with families in their own home is a lot different than in a hospital. Emotions may be running high and you can be quite vulnerable on your own. Letting your team knowing where you are going and checking in if you are running late. You are required to make clinical judgements on your own which can be challenging. I used to be a support worker for community nursing team so not sure exactly of all the pressures but have an understanding!

Realising that people are also vulnerable in their own home and not always willing to let others in. So engaging with them and building trust important. Being aware of your safety by looking out for exits for you. Making sure yr mobile is charged up. Ring ahead if going to be late etc. Good luck.

Thanks for these replies. Today’s the day! I’ve just been brushing up on my GSF knowledge too in case that comes up

Yes being organised would be my biggest challenge. I’ve always worked in a hospital so I’ve always had everything to hand! I’ve looked at the lone workers policy for the trust. I definitely think I have transferable skills but it’ll depend on who else they are interviewing!

Thanks for the good luck vibes!

I hate it when people do threads like this but don’t update so I thought I’d better come back. Unfortunately I was unsuccessful