There is nothing else I could envision myself doing

James works at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust together with other medical professionals - such as fellow ANNPs, ACPs, doctors, and consultants - on the medical rota. James explains what drew him to our Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) programme, and the impact it's had on his practice.

Why did you decide to become an ACP?

“Every person in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is unique; either you adore it or you don’t! I'm among the numerous people that love it. After gaining self-assurance in my position and realising how important my role is to families, the logical next step was for me to progress my career. I didn't know about this position in training, and it wasn't until I worked in the NICU that I truly understood it, but now there is nothing else I could envision myself doing.”

What are you enjoying most about the programme at Sheffield? 

“There aren't any other courses like this in the Northeast, where I live, so studying at The University of Sheffield was the obvious choice. In addition to learning a lot about neonatology, I have gained life experience by travelling and interacting with individuals from all over the country."

Clinical practice is currently my favourite activity. Thanks to the guidance and instruction I have received both at Sheffield and from my current coworkers, I have grown significantly during the last two years. I would suggest the clinical skills lectures and training sessions to any aspiring ACP since they were entertaining and interesting.

James Taylor

MMedSci Advanced Clinical Practice (Neonatal)

“The way specialist physicians and consultant neonatologists taught anatomy and physiology in the classroom was also quite appealing to me. Because of my intense curiosity, I related to the training, which is specifically targeted for newborns.

“Working full-time in a position that necessitates a great deal of independent clinical decision-making and side-by-side study is demanding. Although I personally have never needed prolonged absence or significant additional assistance, I know colleagues who have. The university respects your choices and makes every effort to accommodate you.”

What has been the biggest challenge for you in this role?

“Believing in my ability to make independent clinical decisions in practice is my hardest problem. I spend every day evaluating babies on the postnatal ward, discharging them home, and then 30 minutes later I could be at a 24 week twin delivery. There are never two days that are alike. With every job, you gain self-assurance and a deeper understanding of your role every day. As an ACP in neonates, I now enjoy my profession and wouldn't trade it for anything.”

How has your practice changed since starting the course?

“At the start of the course you are a senior nurse in the NICU, but by the end, you have advanced to a senior position on the team and taken on the role of ACP, which is completely separate from your typical nursing responsibilities."

Whilst I still possess the same, excellent experience, care, expertise, and compassion as a nurse, training as an ACP has altered my perspective on patient care and given me additional clinical knowledge and skills to improve practice in my field. 

James Taylor

MMedSci Advanced Clinical Practice (Neonatal)

“Throughout my studies I’ve worked according to the four pillars of advanced practice and I believe I’ve made accomplishments across each pillar:

1. Clinical Practice: In accordance with family-centred care, my clinical practice includes full-time work in the NICU, PNW, or delivery unit(s), as well as assessments, diagnoses, treatments, clinical skills, deliveries, and discharges. 
2. Leadership and Management: I work in a senior position with many junior physicians, medical students, and nursing students. Every day, I teach about newborn examinations, symptoms to watch for, and how to use newborn life support during births.
3. Education: With a diverse workforce on the unit, this is done every day. I have presented a variety of topics to consultants and junior members of the team, including various body organs such as the heart of VSD, PDA, and COA. 
4. Research: I worked on a project called Headset Go Pro that reduced the number of people at the bedside by enabling me to examine a baby wearing a headset while live streaming to a seminar room full of students and colleagues. Since then, this has been recognised with an award from the Nursing Times Awards.”