I have always worked in urology since qualifying in September 2012, starting on the urology ward as a newly qualified staff nurse. I currently work for Manchester University NHS Foundation as a Urology Specialist Nurse.
In 2017 I was working as a staff nurse in a urology outpatient department, when I heard about a wonderful man called Bruce Turner, who had very sadly passed away, but through his legacy an award for early-career urology nurses was created. The award was established to help support new urology nurses with a mentor and support from BAUN, as well as a free place at BAUN conference with all expenses paid. Being one of the first winners, alongside Sally-Anne Male, was honestly one of the proudest moments of my profession and I truly believe that this helped me to believe in myself again and develop my self-confidence, at a time when I was feeling a bit lost in my nursing career. Also having such influential role models and mentors around me, who saw potential in me and believed in me, when I didn’t believe in myself.
BAUN really made a lasting impression on me, from attending BAUN conference for the first time in 2017 in Glasgow, being made to feel so welcome by the BAUN trustees and attending the gala dinner award ceremony, which was such a fantastic evening. Meeting Bruce’s parents and hearing all about Bruce’s career journey from his friends and colleagues, how he developed advanced practice and education, all that he did for BAUN and his legacy and what he envisioned, was all so inspirational. Mt first BAUN conference was fantastic, such a jam-packed two days, but I came away with so much knowledge, motivation, and enthusiasm. I will never forget that feeling of coming away from my first ever conference, exhausted, but on such a high and feeling so inspired, but also overwhelmed by the fact that I had won an award, having never been to conference before. I still love the buzz of conference and meeting new people and I love hearing about what others are doing in the field of urological nursing.
The Bruce Turner award is invaluable to early-career urology nurses, and I was so excited to see where it could take me. Attending my first BAUN conference in 2017, helped me to see what opportunities were out there and the support and network opportunities are endless through BAUN. We are so privileged as urology nurses to have BAUN, with fantastic learning and developmental opportunities, awards, educational funding, study days and webinars, including a fabulous national conference every year. After winning the award, I was also invited to a trustee meeting to learn more about the association and how it supports urology nurses, therefore improving patient care and I also had a mentor in Jane Brocksom, who was vice president of BAUN at the time, and is still a friend to this day.
I would encourage all urology nurses to try and network where possible, social media is a great way to do this – follow BAUN on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Attend study days and webinars, when possible and attend BAUN’s annual conference.
If you are interested in a career in urology, I would encourage you to join BAUN to get access to all the opportunities mentioned above. Start networking and put yourself out there, you never know you could be the next Bruce Turner award winner! You can apply or maybe your manager or colleagues would like to nominate you, the opportunities are endless.
As nurses I don’t think we are very good at singing our own praises or celebrating our successes. We should be proud of the great work that we all do each day, especially in these challenging times we find ourselves in.
So, nominate yourself for an award and don’t be shy to put yourself out there! That is something I have learnt through BAUN and networking and seeing some of the fantastic initiatives that are improving patient care and their experience every day, it inspires me to do more and to be better.
So, join BAUN, or drop me a line as a BAUN trustee to see if I can help support you, or if you need any more information about BAUN, the Bruce Turner award and are considering becoming a member I am all social media platforms.
All the trustees and BAUN president welcome people contacting us, we want to hear from our members or future members. I encourage you to join us, and who knows maybe this year you will win a BAUN award at national conference or be a future trustee of BAUN!