RE: Getting in to referral work later?

V E S — Sat, 21 Sep 2019 14:20:43 GMT

When I qualified in 2015 I went straight into referral - I had only worked in a GP hospital as a student but I was super keen to do medicine/oncology. I definitely think they look more for determination and being keen than anything else, they rarely expect applicants to have a load of referral experience. They will teach you everything you need to know, I found referral practice to be much more supportive than GP. In the referrals I worked at they had a paper NPL-type booklet to complete in the first year which coolleagues could sign off for you. It was mostly made up of advanced skills such as placing NO tubes, caring for wound/chest/abdo drains or O/PEG tubes.

I also had a colleague at my previous practice who is about the same age as you and has just gone into referral :)

I really really miss referral but the closest one to me know is about 1hr 45m away and I'm trying to work on exotics stuff. I promise you won't regret referral work!

RE: Getting in to referral work later?

Nick Shackleton — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 15:54:28 GMT

When I switched to referral I did a gradual transition. I went for 1st opinion clinic to large GP/Cert lead referral hospital. stsyed there for two years and then went on to diploma holder lead referral centre.

But many referral centres will take on those with just GP experience. It about showing the drive and determination and willingness to learn new techniques and improve your nursing skills. Maybe look at some advanced CPD such as anaesthesia, theatre nursing or diagnostic imaging. Always looks good on CV as well improving your knowledge and skills.

Feel free to ask any questions. Currently working in ortho/neuro/imaging/physio referral centre