Neil
I have to agree with you. I work within a team where only three nurses
have a registered qualification in OH, supported by seven 'unqualified'
nurses. Without the valuable work that we unqualifieds do, the department
would cease to function. I think it comes back to those who have been
fortunate to gain a qualification, and those that haven't. I intend to
self-fund to undertake the degree - not so I can get lost in the SP title,
but to give me the depth of knowledge that I want to be able to provide a
service that I know is the best I can do. Experience does count and
sometimes knowledge obtained on the job is more valuable than a piece of
paper demonstrating a competency, if that skill is not used frequently
enough then the competency is reduced. I also think that the bottom line
is that every OH practitioner is first and foremost a nurse - and maybe
what is missing just a bit is the respect we should be extending to each
others knowledge, skills and experiences - certificated or not.
I am always on the look-out for any OH related site that provides
information and links etc, and can say that I have had some useful advice
from the message board on UKOHN.
Full credit to you Sue for your work, you have not claimed to be anything
you are not and I will continue to browse UKOHN. On a more positive aspect,
perhaps this debate will fuel more interest in your site!
Christine
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