In April, I began my career with Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) alongside five other newly qualified paramedics (NQPs), who each are at varying stages of their NQP programme—I am right at the start of mine. The NQP framework is relatively new to Northern Ireland, mainly driven by the recent establishment of an undergraduate paramedic degree at Ulster University. It is fair to say that I felt like a guinea pig and I was worried about how this ‘trial and error’ would affect my progression as an NQP.
I was introduced to the NQP portfolio, which requires me to meet 95 learning outcomes across my 2 years, with the possibility to ‘fast-track’ at 15 months. Initially, I thought it would be no bother to complete my portfolio on my rest days (how naïve was I?). I have since realised that being an NQP requires a significant amount of brain power and this is reflected in my off days, because I am knackered. If I am honest, the last thing I want to do is get out my laptop and start typing up a reflection—I just need to rest.
So far, I have managed to complete one reflection using Gibbs 1988 reflective cycle. I have found this somewhat straightforward, as reflective writing was a huge part of my undergraduate degree. At the start of my NQP journey, I found it challenging to balance my shifts, portfolio and CPD—all while making the most of my time off. It was very easy to become overwhelmed. I still find this difficult, but I am taking ‘baby steps’. For example, if I am in the front of the ambulance driving to A+E, I usually stick on a clinical podcast. This allows me to ‘kill two birds with one stone’; the patient arrives at the appropriate destination and I manage a bit of CPD. It certainly alleviates the guilt of doing nothing.
While the NQP framework is new to Northern Ireland, I feel extremely supported. In my first few months, I am placed with an experienced paramedic, which I have found beneficial to my practice and confidence. In addition, it improves the ‘flow’ of jobs, as I am not having to wait for a call back from the Integrated Clinical Hub (ICH); however, they are there if I need them! Furthermore, I have been allocated to a Clinical Support Officer (CSO), who are experienced paramedics, clinically and in mentorship. Recently, my CSO completed a ‘ride along’ shift to observe my demeanour with patients and my clinical decision-making. I was very nervous to begin with, as it brought be back to my days as a student paramedic and I felt the need to impress. It went well and it was reassuring to be able to access clinical support when I need it, whether that be help with my portfolio, a discussion about a patient, a clinical decision, or a conversation to settle my NQP nerves.
Overall, I feel I am settling in well to the NQP life. Initially, I was apprehensive about being the first batch of NQPs to ‘trial’ the NQP framework in NIAS, as well as being new to the organisation. I was worried this would negatively impact my development as a paramedic or potentially leave me in a vulnerable position as a clinician. Fortunately, though, I have been reassured by the support given to me by both operational and developmental colleagues. They understand that I am new, which can bring naïvety sometimes, but are patient and have my best interests at heart! Now, the plan is to rest, enjoy my days off and get stuck into some more of my portfolio!