Pros
Most who work at NHS Borders are friendly, approachable and helpful. Walk down the corridor and be greeted by the friendly nature of the folk who work at the BGH. Times have changed over recent years and staff work tirelessly to continue to deliver amazing patient care in often pressured circumstances. Full time work with 12 hour shifts worked well for me. NHS enhancements for OOH an nightshift. Incremental pay as per usual NHS.
Cons
Tough times as is faced by everywhere within the NHS. Selected few high manager show face and show support to staff at the coal face. Increased number of clinical service and nurse managers over recent years. Same number of staff nurses and HCSWs despite wards always being full with often complex caseloads. ED working beyond capacity. Often highly unsafe. Patients cared for in unsuitable locations. Corridors, waiting areas on beds and trolleys. Management don't seem to communicate short or long term planning to staff on the ground. It's honestly ground hog day for many staff as nothing seems to change for the better. Outdated thinking of many (not all) SCNs, operating as per old culture and ideas, (sister and matron springs to mind). Make use of conscientious and willing staff to bring new ways of thinking to the table.