Rebecca works as an advanced practitioner in Gynaecology at the Royal United hospital in Bath. She is a nurse by background and is well-established in her advanced practitioner role within this specialty. She completed her Advanced Practice apprenticeship MSc and gained her NHSE digital badge in 2024.
Rebecca works at Level 7 across the four pillars of
advanced practice
| Clinical | – Independently leads weekly postmenopausal bleeding clinics, taking clinical histories and performing ultrasound and biopsies as required as well as planning ongoing care or discharges back to GP care. – Undertakes Surgical First Assistant work in theatre assisting with a range of gynaecological operations including robotic, laparoscopic and open surgery. – Acts as Perfusionist for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) which is a new service being providing for selected patients during surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. |
| Leadership | – Co lead on chemotherapy safety implementation for theatre staff in preparation for the implementation of Pressurised Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC). – Member of the risk and governance team, assisting with investigation of reported incidents and supporting the implementation of new protocols and ways of working to reduce risk. – Liaison with GPs and other health professionals over patient care and providing advice on management strategies. |
| Education | – Initiated the establishment of a journal club for all members of the outpatient nursing team aimed to be ongoing. – Supervision of Nurses, Junior Doctors and Medical Students in independent clinic. – Creation of patient education materials including a mobile notice board to display ways women can improve their health as part of International Women’s Day and now currently being used for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. |
| Research | – Maintenance of several audit databases for new treatments and services including robotic surgery HIPEC. – Participant in a clinical study involving the administration of Pressurised Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC). |
Why Advanced Practice?
When I started my training, although I undertook many advanced skills and nurse led clinics, I had little understanding of the Advanced Practitioner role. Becoming part of a network of trainee and qualified Advanced Practitioners, through the university and at the hospital I came to understand the value of Advanced Practice. I was inspired by seeing Advanced Practitioners providing amazing care for their patients due to their skills and experience, and their motivation to continue to train and develop professionally.
What was the best thing about your Advance Practice training?
My training has allowed me to take on a varied and challenging role. It has given me advanced skills and a wider breadth of knowledge in many areas enabling me to perform tasks traditionally not undertaken by nurses. This has allowed me to progress into a senior combined clinical/leadership/management role rather than a solely management position that might have taken me away from clinical duties.
Feedback from a patient: “Your monitoring and follow up gave me reassurance during a time of anxiety and uncertainty. Your knowledge and skills ensured that I received the best, most appropriate care; a true advocate.”
Why is Advanced Practice good for patients?
Advanced Practitioners have vast experience within their base speciality which brings clinical expertise and a thorough understanding of the patient journey. Advanced Practitioners also have strong communications skills and empathy for their patients. This allows them to provide a holistic approach to patient care in the management of their condition.
What is your future vision for Advanced Practice in your service?
Building on the success of my own role our department is currently aiming to create a second Advanced Practice post for the Gynae Oncology Team. As a team I would like us to expand further the services we currently provide and to play a greater role in health education and promotion to the patients in our care.
Feedback from a colleague: “Beckie is someone who always treats others as individuals with unique needs and experiences. Whether it’s a patient or a colleague, she takes the time to listen, show genuine care, and offer support. Beckie’s kindness shines through in every interaction, with a polite and welcoming demeanour that immediately puts others at ease”.