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Olivia is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner – Nursing (ACP) in the Emergency Department in the Belfast trust, find out more about her role below.

Hi Olivia, Can you tell us how about your job and what you do from day to day

I am an Advanced Clinical Practitioner – Nursing (ACP) in the Emergency Department. I am an independent practitioner working in the ED. My job is to assess, treat and diagnosis all undifferentiated conditions that present to the Emergency Department. I cover all areas of the department – Minors, Majors and Resuscitation. I work on a clinical rota and work 7 days a week.

What experience/education is required in order to preform this role?

The role requires the individual to gain clinical experience in Emergency Medicine first and then undertake an education pathway to meet the requirements set by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.

I have being qualified as a nurse for 16 years. In this time I have gained a lot of experience and undertaken many post graduate courses. I have just completed 3 years in Warwick Medical School undertaking a master’s pathway.

At present I am working towards accreditation with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) I have and will continue to achieve the standards set by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.

What is the biggest challenge in your role?

The ACP role is very new to NI and very new to adult Emergency Medicine however it is well established in parts of the UK. A major challenge has been promoting interprofessional team working where professionals from all disciplines can work together to provide excellent care.

What advice would you give to others looking for a job in your field?

It is the best job in this world. It is such an honour and privilege to care for patients in the Emergency Department where they are potentially at their most vulnerable. I would advise staff with an interest in this area to gain as much clinical experience as possible and to get involved in all aspects of the patients care.

What do you like best about your role and working in HSC?

The diversity of my role in the emergency department. I move from caring for the time critical patient such as a trauma patient to the patient presenting with a minor complaint such as a toe injury. Emergency Medicine provides me with a new challenge and learning experience everyday.

I am very honoured to be in this role as an independent practitioner who is able to treat patients in all areas of the emergency department.