As part of International Nurses Day today, we would like to introduce you to our Chief Nurse, Jane Douglas.
What is your role and what does it involve?
My name is Jane Douglas and I have recently been appointed to the post of Chief Nurse with the Care Inspectorate, which I commenced in March. The role, which is a new role, sits within the Strategy and Improvement Directorate. As the Chief Nurse, I provide clinical leadership to the Care Inspectorate and specialist clinical and professional advice. I will be working to influence national policy and strategy in regard to social care and the social care workforce.
I have experience working in social care and social work, having been a provider and a commissioner, therefore I have good insight into the issues and challenges that the sector is facing.
I am especially interested in the role of the nurse in care homes, the uniqueness of the role and how it has changed over the last decade. Equally, I am interested in other roles within social care and how these are developing because of the challenges that we are faced with to provide safe, effective care, in the right place, at the right time, by the right person.
I am passionate about excellence in social care and I am keen to support the development of the role of the nurse in social care along with the development of health care support workers, ensuring that we have clear development opportunities, governance and support systems in place for the staff who are employed across the sector. Care homes in particular have a very different demography now compared to 10- 15 years ago. As when people move into care homes, they are frailer and have multiple complex long-term conditions. This is one of the successes of supporting people to remain in their own homes for longer. We do however have workforce challenges and need to ensure health and social care is fit to meet the demands of the future.
As this is a new role it will be interesting to see how it evolves but I am really keen to connect with managers and nurses across the sector. If you would like to speak with me about my role, the service you provide, ideas you may have for improvement, improvements and ideas that you have implemented, or just for a chat, please do contact me.
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Follow Jane on Twitter: @janeeedouglas
How would someone describe you?
This is always difficult to answer, as while I have been given feedback throughout my life it is not always easy to share the kind words people have said about you. I am always amazed when I hear what people think of me. I recently left my role as CEO with a registered charity and the staff team made a video to say farewell, expressing their thoughts of me. So here goes – I am described as extremely fair, exceptionally caring, as having empathy compassion, passion, energetic and positive. Please note this is not my description but what has been described to me.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Being around people is my favourite pastime. I love being with my family and friends, these are the happiest times, walking, talking, eating and just having fun, which can be sitting in the company and comfort of your family, reading a book or playing an extremely competitive board game. I make silver jewellery and I am starting a diploma in silver jewellery making in September. I have a little studio and when I am not with others, I love to spend time in my studio designing and making jewellery. I would say that this is not often enough as I am always busy with other things that take precedence.