RCN Credentialing gives nurses formal recognition of their advanced level of expertise. We have worked with the RCN to ensure IBD nurse specialists can demonstrate their skills in clinical practice, leadership, education, and research to colleagues, employers, patients, and the public – by developing the first ever specialist credentialing pathway.
Diane Upton (Wrexham Maelor Hospital), Rachel Campbell (Stepping Hill Hospital), Kay Greveson (Royal Free Hospital), and Tracey Shaul (Northampton General Hospital) all successfully completed the credentialing process in 2021, becoming Advanced Nurse Practitioners in IBD.
I decided to apply for the role at Crohn’s & Colitis UK as it’s a great charity that helps inform patients, family, friends and healthcare professionals affected, but also offers a great deal of advice and support for IBD nurses. I’m looking forward to being an ambassador for Crohn’s & Colitis UK, and being part of a community of IBD nurses, sharing best nursing practice and hopefully making a positive change to patients’ lives.
Crohn’s & Colitis UK and the IBD nurses have been an extremely useful network especially during the pandemic, as we have supported each other during an incredibly difficult and challenging time, enabling us to share updated guidance on advice and support for patients with IBD, providing information on Coronavirus to patients, to protect themselves and others.
Diane Upton, Crohn's & Colitis UK Nurse Specialist
Wrexham Maelor Hospital
The RCN credentialing through Crohn’s & Colitis UK was a fantastic experience, enabling me to focus and improve my practice but also realising just how much we do in our roles to help improve a person’s journey with these conditions. I would like to thank Crohn’s & Colitis UK for the opportunity to showcase my advanced practice and for introducing me to more fabulous Crohn’s & Colitis UK Nurse Specialists.
Rachel Campbell, Crohn's & Colitis UK Nurse Specialist
Stepping Hill Hospital
Initially the credentialing process looked somewhat daunting but once I got to grips with the detail, the process was easy to complete. I just needed to map my MSc modules to the four pillars, update my CPD log, write up a case study and two reflective pieces, get my detailed job plan signed off by my matron and a clinical reference from my lead clinician. The upload process of these documents and certificates completed the process and I heard back within a week of submission.
Tracey Shaul, Crohn's & Colitis UK Nurse Specialist
Northampton General Hospital
Crohn’s & Colitis UK will continue to support our nurse specialists as they use their expertise, advanced practice, leadership, and education to support people living with Crohn’s and Colitis. More nurses have been recruited to the programme this year, and credentialing with the RCN allows nurses to demonstrate their advanced level of practice. Through sharing best nursing practice and giving access to charity resources and support, we can give our nurses the skills, knowledge and resources to ensure high-quality, sustainable IBD care.
