12 60 seconds with… Kaljit Kaur, urology nurse consultant Tell me a bit about your role I’ve been a urology nurse consultant at the RFL for two years. I am the first to take up the role in the trust, which has been very exciting. I am responsible for delivering expert clinical practice, drive education and research within the department and provide leadership. It is an extremely diverse role with a lot of autonomy and flexibility which provides opportunity to represent urology nursing at the RFL regionally and nationally. Clinically I deliver and teach prostate cancer diagnostics alongside supporting the development of all the sub-speciality services within urology to enhance nursing. I’m also involved in NCL-wide work where I can influence change. I have recently helped set up a NCL urological nurses association as part of this work. I have also joined The British Association of Urological Nurses as a co-opted trustee and deputy education lead, where I can drive education to urology nurses at a national level. How did you get into urology? I thoroughly enjoyed my placement on a urology ward during my nurse training and was offered a job – 24 years later I am still here! Urology has enabled me to grow and develop my skills given its diverse and everchanging landscape. I have held roles including staff nurse, ward manager and nurse practitioner, learning the breadth and depth of urology, initiating service improvement and enhancing patient experience along the way. I have loved my career to date and advise anyone considering their career path to find your passion and remain with it. Do you have any personal career highlights? I relocated from Durham to work in urology in London eight years ago seeking a new challenge. Not knowing anyone in London was a risk which has paid off. It stands out as a pivotal moment which then opened so many more opportunities for my urology journey. Sub-specialising in prostate cancer diagnostics and being involved in a national diagnostic project in this field, and then implementing a nurse-led prostate cancer diagnostic service have all been highlights too. What are the most significant challenges of your role? Achieving targets (i.e cancer performance), clinical nurse specialist recruitment and retention, and supporting financial improvement whilst embedding change and enhancing patient experience are all challenging aspects. How do you like to unwind away from work? I am a foodie, so you will often find me eating my way around London! I have a live list on my phone of restaurants ‘to visit’ and another of restaurants ‘visited and would return to’! I am often described as a social butterfly since I like to make the most of the city by attending events and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Fitness is important to me so I go to the gym regularly and hike the hills when I can! Taking care of your wellbeing Every day, our staff go above and beyond to care for our patients. Please take the time to also look after your own wellbeing: • 24/7 helpline (out of hours) contact Care First on 0800 174319 (24/7) service) for emotional and psychological support or access online via carefirst-lifestyle.co.uk; login details can be found on Freenet • Contact the Samaritans (on 116 123), NHS Helpline (111) or your GP • Cost of living worries can have a huge impact on our mental health – visit our financial wellbeing page on Freenet • Visit Freenet for a range of resources, information and other wellbeing tips
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