About my transition from trainee nursing associate (TNA) to qualified nursing associate (NA)
Critical Care is unique in that my time on the unit was supernumerary during my two years' training. When transitioning over to NA on my first day, I was to be treated as a newly qualified preceptor, supernumerary before supervision and then lone working. My colleagues were very welcoming.
As the countdown to my unsupervised period got closer it did become more frightening but on that first shift I was surrounded by people who were very supportive and proud of my achievements, willing to put up with my constant questions, and reassure me that I was doing the right things for my patient.
While going through my preceptorship I continued to ask questions throughout as I had the purple section of my ITU step one book to get signed off. I did feel a bit useless when supporting my colleagues in regards to IV infusions double signature as I was unable to help. It took six months for this to come through. Now I never look back and Medusa (the injectable medicines guide) is my best friend.
The period before qualifying
This should be the time when you get to experience how your daily routine and time management is moulded. During my last three months before qualifying I was supervised from a short distance, looking after the patients who were wardable. This enabled me learn how to time manage when needing to be discharged (complete handover with ward) on my shift.
I also had to plan what care was required, and have the nurse supervising be present when oral drugs were administered. I took admissions under supervision so I was able to learn how to admit a patient to ward and complete all aspects of the admission. This is the time when you should be pushing yourself so when it comes to your preceptorship things will be less scary as you will have already been doing the job.
The future and my career ambitions
At present I am happy where I am in my role I as I have been developing paperwork to assist the new TNA recruits who work within ITU as permanent staff or on placement. I am also working on completing my mentorship course which allows me to also take on registered nurse students and teach them when on placement.
What I've enjoyed most
Now I've been qualified for a while, what I enjoy most is how I am respected by my colleagues, doctors and other members of the multidisciplinary team, and not look down upon for my grade. During my training and now I'm qualified I feel I have been well supported throughout, and feel very much part of a team of people who really care for their patients.
New staff who come in to join the unit or be on placement often ask why my uniform is different, and when I say I'm a Band 4, they never quite believe me as they thought I had been doing the job for many years. This always makes me smile and feel very proud.
Support
All through my course and now I'm qualified, my unit is massively supportive. It makes me happy as I know no matter how silly I may think a question will be or how many times I may ask something, someone is always willing to answer and not judge.
Advice
If you're really keen to go for the TNA role then I'd say you should do it. It’s an amazing opportunity to change your life and help those you care for through good and bad times while being paid to do a job you enjoy doing. It was never a career I would have planned for myself but I would never look back now. I love what I do.
I also advise buying an anatomy and physiology (A&P) book once you know you really want to do the course. The pre-reading will help you through your A&P classes.
Last reviewed: 17 June 2021