1. Experience of a Project Officer Marie Crossey Ward Sister, Southern HSC Trust

2. Leading Care: Supporting and Strengthening the Role of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse - 6 th October 2010 Role of the Project Officer To involve, engage, communicate and consult with Ward Sisters/Managers and other relevant stakeholders across the Trust. Seek their views, collate their opinions and accurately report this information to the subgroups, working group and steering group

3. Leading Care: Supporting and Strengthening the Role of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse - 6 th October 2010 Set up effective and sustainable communication mechanisms within the Trust. Produce a final report on progress to be submitted to the Steering Group and Chief Executive NIPEC within the Trust.

4. Leading Care: Supporting and Strengthening the Role of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse - 6 th October 2010 Successes Successful stakeholder reference group which included representatives from Human Resources, Staffside, Ward Managers from all directorates, Hotel Services, Assistant Directors and PPI. Positive feed back about project outputs from representatives at each meeting. Responses and involvement from all Directorates.

5. Leading Care: Supporting and Strengthening the Role of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse - 6 th October 2010 Challenges In past experiences there was difficulty engaging Ward Sisters/Charge Nurses as they are extremely busy. Relying on others to communicate their views and continuously encouraging them to respond to the vast amount of information disseminated to them. Reassuring them that the project would have a positive impact on their role.

6. Leading Care: Supporting and Strengthening the Role of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse - 6 th October 2010 Personal achievements Increased networking within the Trust. Increased confidence. Knowledge of how the Trust works at a corporate level. Working as a team with Ward Sisters in other Trusts. Engaging with members of the working group. Improved organisational skills.

7. Leading Care: Supporting and Strengthening the Role of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse - 6 th October 2010 Recommending this experience As a process it was important to have Ward Sisters/Charge Nurses in the role of Project Officer as there was understanding and knowledge of their role. Project Officers were crucial to the success of the Project. Commitment, enthusiasm, and motivation are required when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel.

8. Leading Care: Supporting and Strengthening the Role of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse - 6 th October 2010 Project Officer role is recommended and was a great experience to be involved in a regional project that will strengthen our roles as Ward Sisters/ Charge Nurses.