The simple answer to this question is training and education. Fertility nurses play a crucial role within an IVF unit, they are the first point of contact for patient intake. They are also the deal clincher to convert patient enquiries into patient cycles in private clinics. They counsel patients through the treatment process, investing their own emotional energy along the way. Their days are busy, they start early and finish late. Despite the pivotal role that fertility nurses play, they are only given very basic induction training when they join a new unit.
This 2-week induction covers the operational policies of the unit and covers the basics on a need-to-know basis. This leaves little room or scope for professional development. The pitfall here is that these fertility nurses are not being trained or given the knowledge base of the entire assisted reproduction process.
Time to put nurse education at the forefront
This is problematic for nurses who have not worked as fertility nurses previously. The how and why are missing from the basic training they are given. They advise patients on how medication should be taken, but the nurses are not being trained as to why the patient is taking the medication or how the treatment plan could be tweaked.
The general feeling among fertility nurses in the private sector is that is no time for more extensive training. This in turn leads to poor nurse retention and a high turnover of staff. For clinic managers the headache is not only recruiting fertility nurses but keeping them. On the other side of the fence, NHS units offer a better career development pathway for nurse training with more time being spent with consultants for hands on learning.
The solution
Fertility Nursing Hub will bridge the gaps in fertility nursing knowledge. This section will sit within the locked access area of The Fertility Hub to provide an ongoing editorial and educational resource for fertility nurses. This will set out a clear career development pathway for nurses at all levels. These modules of learning will have a CPD value for nurses to meet the requirements for revalidation every three years to renew their Nursing & Midwifery Council registration. This external resource will be of great benefit to private clinics to provide the necessary training for their nursing staff and show their commitment to the nursing teams ongoing professional development.
Flexible learning
We understand the role of a fertility nurse is demanding especially on their time. Therefore, the education modules have been designed with multiple dates and times to join live sessions, these are also recorded for course attendees to watch again and refresh when they are completing their revalidation application. Nurses will be required to complete evaluation forms at the end of each session and detail the key learning objectives from that session to receive their CPD certificates.
5 modules of career development
• Newly qualified nurses
• Experienced nurses who are new to the fertility sector
• Fertility nurses with over 2 years of experience
• Skilled Fertility Nurse Managers
• Fertility Nursing Directors.
To register your interest in our Fertility Nursing Hub, be notified of learning modules as they launch or to discuss specific bespoke training packages for your nursing team, please complete the form below.
