NHS Lothian’s Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Plan 2023-2028 sets out a clear intention to “Reinvigorate our workforce” and one of our initiatives to support this is by offering staff a ‘Stay and Grow’ conversations as a way of helping individuals to think about and plan for opportunities for their own leadership development, possible academic development and to consider ways to achieve a fulfilling career pathway.
A ‘Stay and Grow’ conversation is a guided conversation with a colleague that leads to an individual developing a plan of action for the next steps in their career development.
Here’s what some of our staff have said:
- I found the process very helpful. I was able to describe my challenges and barriers to career development in a way that I wouldn’t necessarily feel comfortable sharing with my direct line manager.
- I found the face to face chat exceeded my expectations, I came away with different perspectives and new knowledge of available resources.
- I was sceptical about what to expect during the meeting and if I would feel heard or I would end up regretting the meeting. The person who met with me made me feel very relaxed. She was very patient to listen and help me think of paths I want to follow. She never imposed her thoughts or made me feel little.
- Really helpful to speak to another to support confidence in believing you can apply for a post.
Would you like to have a Stay & Grow Conversation?
Stay and Grow Conversations were launched in February 2025. All nursing and midwifery registered and non-registered staff can request a conversation with a specific member of the Stay and Grow Conversation Group (below). Or if you are not sure about the direction you want to take, a member of the Clinical Education and Training Team, and/or your local Clinical Practice Facilitators can be contacted to give general career advice aligned to what matters to you.
How to request a Stay and Grow conversation
Please email loth.stayandgrow@nhs.scot with your name, role, work location and a brief outline of what guidance you are seeking. A member of the Clinical Education and Training Team will identify a Stay and Grow contact for you to have a conversation with. That person will contact you and arrange a date to meet – either in person or on Teams.
Preparing for your Stay & Grow Conversation
To help you prepare for a Stay & Grow conversation download the guidance document and work through it before the meeting, making some notes on your responses.
To record your personal career development plan download the planning template
After your Stay & Grow conversation you will be sent a link to an evaluation survey to help us evaluate the initiative.
Stay and Grow Contacts
Community Nursing |
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Community Hospitals |
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Critical Care |
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Education/ Academic pathways |
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Emergency/Unscheduled Care |
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Healthcare Support Workers |
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Leadership |
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Learning Disability |
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Mental Health |
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Midwifery |
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Neonatology |
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Neurology |
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Oncology |
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Paediatrics |
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Research |
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