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NURSES’ NEWS
TITLE ENDOCRINE SUB NURSE UPDATE:
WHAT COULD IT MEAN FOR YOU?
WRITTEN BY XXXX CYNTHIA G MAGTOTO
In July 2014, I was successfully appointed as
Deputy Endocrine Nurse Specialist. I previously
covered maternity leave for our endocrine
specialist nurses, and having a permanent post in
endocrinology is an exciting opportunity.
My colleague encouraged me to attend the Endocrine Nurse Update in
Birmingham last September, to help me with my new post. Applying
for the conference was straightforward. Browsing the programme was
both exciting and overwhelming. While there were some topics which
were familiar to me, like growth hormone deficiency and testosterone
replacement, there were also some that were unfamiliar, such as
parathyroid disorders and late effects.
I felt anxious when I arrived at the conference as I did not know
anybody, except for my colleague who is a member of the Committee.
She introduced me to the attendees, who were very welcoming, and I
immediately started to feel at ease.
As I expected, the lectures were delivered well, by experienced
endocrine specialist nurses and consultants. I gained more knowledge
of the topics that were familiar, and improved my understanding
of those that were new to me. As well as the lectures, there were
networking speed sessions and parallel workshops. I enjoyed these as
we were able to discuss, explore, debate and learn what other nurses
do in their practice.
In between lectures we had breaks, which gave me an opportunity to
mingle with other nurses. The ‘new’ endocrine nurses’ enthusiasm to
learn was encouraging, and the endocrine specialist nurses who have
been in the field for a considerable time have dedication and expertise
that are inspiring. I also met different patient groups; these give vital
information, enabling me to better support my endocrine patients and
other healthcare professionals.
The 2-day Endocrine Nurse Update swiftly came to an end. The
conference gave me not only the opportunity to learn, but also opened
doors for communication with other endocrine nurses. Now, if I have
any queries, I can just click a button and send an email to the wider
community of endocrine specialist nurses in the UK, who are so willing
to help.
‘Now, if I have any queries, I can just email
the wider community of endocrine specialist
nurses, who are so willing to help.’
I am glad I attended the Endocrine Nurse Update, and would highly
recommend the next conference, which takes place in Birmingham on
16–17 March 2015.
CYNTHIA G MAGTOTO
Deputy Endocrine Specialist Nurse,
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London
34 | THE ENDOCRINOLOGIST | SPRING 2015