#NewProfilePic for January 2025

31 January 2024 - Every month, a different member of staff features as our #NewProfilePic on social media.

Our staff profile for December 2024 features Ritz, a Practice Development Nurse (PDN) in Neurosciences at King’s College Hospital. As a PDN, Ritz oversees staff inductions, promotes good nursing practices, organises courses, mentors staff, and supports Trust training programmes.

How long have you been working with King’s, and why do you like it?

“I have been working in King’s since 2016. King’s has taught me how to be resilient, and be flexible when it is right. It is actually a great place if you plan to grow professionally, the opportunities are vast, you just need to know what exactly you want and be resourceful enough to find out how.”

What makes your role special to you and the patients you care for?

“The power of education as a driving force towards improved patient outcomes has long been proven. Our role ultimately contributes to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. By enhancing staff education, PDN’s play an essential role in improving clinical systems, and promoting reflective practice. Beyond being just extra staffing support, we directly influence the quality and safety of care through staff training, and laying the ground for new nurses to thrive in their respective units as they start their careers.”

A special moment that you’ve experienced at work?

“I feel accomplished as an educator when former students who are now colleagues, have turned into educators themselves. Now I see them as professionals who mould future nurses as well.”

Is there anything interesting about your role at King’s that people/patients may not know?

“In our role, we act as “agents of change” in healthcare, working to challenge outdated practices and inspire continuous improvement. While patients or their families may interact directly with bedside nurses, Healthcare Assistants, doctors and other members of the team, PDNs work behind the scenes to ensure the care delivered is safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered.”

What does the New Year look like in your team and what is your New Year’s resolution?

“I should really hit the gym this new year… kidding aside, I see a stronger PDN team this 2025. We all relied on each other and made things work. Bright minds working together create great results! This 2025, we aim to innovate more and put out Neurosciences Nursing as a leading department when it comes to quality care, staff development and training.”