Personal Reflection Brenda Mc Ilroy Macmillan Clinical Nurse

Personal Reflection Brenda Mc. Ilroy Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care, Royal Victoria Hospital

Personal Reflection as a Member of Phase II PCSNN Brenda Mc. Ilroy Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist Palliative Care RVH, BHSCT

Original Personal Benefits of Membership of the PCSNN v v Networking to form new working partnerships Ability to share professional knowledge and experience Opportunity for peer support and advice for the future Involvement in opportunities to improve standards of symptom management, particularly constipation relief

Experience as a Member of PCSNN l l l Travelling to Dublin and meeting with some members of the PCSNN the evening before the 2 nd meeting Introduction on 2 nd day to Phase II group Meeting different members of the PCSNN Having a better understanding of Grapevine Meeting members of NDT 3 Topic for project

Experience as a Member of NDT 3 l l l Meeting members of NDT 3 Topic for project Communication in-between each face-to-face meeting Working collaboratively Taking responsibility for various aspects of the project Volunteering to do things out of my comfort zone!

Challenges l l l Working on project alongside full-time CNS role (which is both clinical and teaching) Volunteering to do things out of my comfort zone! Availability for conference calls amid clinical responsibilities Not Driving Other Study/Education being limited due to commitment to NDT 3 Project

On Reflection…. l l l It increased my confidence in networking/ communicating with colleagues that I do not work with Gave insight into the various aspects of putting together our project using a collaborative approach Enhanced my skills in team working and presenting to known and unknown audiences Negotiation Skills Budget management Trust and Appreciation of each team members’ role and skills

On Reflection…. l l l Great sense of achievement completing project and being satisfied with end result Happy that the information Doodle was for patient/carers Valued peer support throughout the process Thought provoking questionnaires on personality qualities and leadership skills Increased my knowledge on the various work that the AIIHPC are involved in Inspired me to continue to keep up-to-date with the AIIHPC and PCSNN through Grapevine, email and twitter

Thank You