My passion for Urology has been prevalent since qualifying. I started my career on a surgical urology ward progressing to a ward sister position after 18 months. I commenced my role with the Salford Specialist Urology Nursing Team in January 2020. After which I joined BAUN.
BAUN has opened my eyes to the diversity of urology nursing roles & helped me understand the power of our influence. I found trustees & delegates to be welcoming & inclusive regardless of how far along you are in your career. In fact it is us Junior Nurses that all their hard work & efforts have been for, paving the way for Urology Nursing of the future. It is now our responsibility to ensure interest & passion for Urology continues & what better way than to join such a wonderful organisation.
In addition to the annual conference BAUN offers a variety of educational material including webinars, guidelines & access to the International Journal of Urological Nursing. The invaluable part of this membership is the networking with colleagues across not only the UK but the globe. BAUN has strong relationships with fellow urology associations such an EAUN, ANZUNS & ACP, not to mention the plethora of charitable organisations.
After having the privilege of winning the Bruce Turner Award 2022 I vowed to push myself out of my comfort zone & work towards something that was said at that conference; ‘Don’t wait until you’re perfect – Act Now’. I found that with the encouragement of my Bruce Turner ‘Buddy’ I took opportunities I once would have passed off due my feelings of inexperience. I was able to observe a Trustee meeting, help chair educational webinars, take part in updating BAUN guidelines & so much more.
BAUN is such a wonderful organisation of likeminded professionals which provides a community of knowledge & support for all. I would encourage everyone with urological interest, specialist or not to join & get involved.
Siobhan Allmark
Macmillan Uro-Oncology CNS