Samantha Hayman, a young community nurse at Leicestershire Partnership Trust, sparked debate online when she lamented the lack of younger nurses working in the community.
In her blog for Nursing in Practice, Ms Hayman confronted the idea that community nursing is just for older nurses and inappropriate for those straight out of university.
Her article inspired a vibrant online discussion brimming with fresh ideas, considered counterpoints and lived experiences.
Much of the nursing community online agreed: community nursing should be open to younger and newly qualified nurses.
I’ve worked for the last ten years in the community. I have to say it’s the most dynamic, innovative, challenging and rewarding place I’ve worked. To any nurse thinking of stepping out of an acute trust, I would say, “jump in, the water is warm”.
— Tim RN DN ANP (@TNH______) September 16, 2019
I was 26 when I started my DN training and that was in the last century! Best career decision ever!
— Sue Hill RN DN QN (@5sue2) September 16, 2019
Great article, however a shame this still needs addressed in 2019! Remember nurses/academics trying to put me off from community nursing as a student 12 years ago and still hear familiar stories from current students.
— Kevin Murphy (@KevinMurphyNHS) September 16, 2019
Love this ♥️
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My darling Mum was a ” #CommunityNurse ” when she was very much a ” #YoungNurse “
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Still to this day I go back home&someone in the street will stop me&will tell me a heartfelt story about how she looked after them/their Mum/Dad/Grandma/Granddad etc
.#NursesCare— Susan Price (@SusanPriceRD) September 16, 2019
Community nurses pointed out on Facebook that the going can be tough – but worth it.
Other commenters argued that experience is needed to become a community nurse.
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