I have worked as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in General Practice for nearly 20 years. After working in many traditional general practices, I needed a change. When the opportunity arose to work for Babylon’s NHS service, Babylon GP at Hand, I thought why not? It was a new experience and a new way of working.
Before applying I did my research, and was impressed by how much they focused on people, and not just the technology. Before the pandemic, digital consultations and AI triage were often seen as controversial, but when the coronavirus hit and hospitals were at full capacity, this view quickly changed! Babylon had been building innovative, digital-first healthcare since before the pandemic, so they were well prepared to help patients access care and health information at home when they needed it most.
So what does a typical work day look like for me? Well, I work 8 hours a day, usually starting at 4am in the morning until 4pm in the afternoon. Thankfully, my role at Babylon is extremely flexible, with the ability to fit your hours around personal and family commitments.
Top reasons why I love working as a digital nurse:
- Flexible working patterns
- Excellent work/life balance
- Reduced stress levels
- Significant reduction in administrative work
- Manageable workload
- No commuting!
While I am still busy, my full attention is given to where it is needed - to the patient, with no interruptions and no pressure from paperwork. By focusing on the needs of the patient, I believe the standard of care I give has improved and is more informative and productive for everyone.
The majority of my consultations are now digital consultations rather than face to face. Whilst this can come with its own challenges, I find that video and audio consultations can offer the advantages of building rapport compared to other digital consulting methods, such as text and email. As well as this, some patients feel more at ease when discussing conditions like anxiety and sexual health issues over the phone compared to a face to face appointment. This freedom of choice for the patient is just one of the ways we can make healthcare more accessible for everyone.
When I was offered the position at Babylon, I had no idea what to expect, only that I was eager for a change. Each day might be different, but my passion for my job stays the same. I love being part of and contributing to an organisation where patient care is central to the model of care given, empowering patients to take control of their healthcare needs. Not only that, but my personal development as a clinician and manager has improved tenfold, due to Babylon’s great training resources, constant guidance and communication with my colleagues. Even though we work remotely, I never feel isolated as Babylon helps it’s clinicians stay connected online. My Babylon journey has been amazing so far, and I can’t wait to see what my future holds as a digital nurse!
