Emma Firth, Regional Primary Care Lead in the prison service

In this episode Laura meets with Emma Firth who is a Regional Primary Care Lead in the North of England. Emma speaks about how she decided to do nursing and how she originally worked on a female surgery and gynaecology ward before working at HMP Wakefield prison as a primary care nurse. Emma discusses how studying her non- medical prescribing has been a pivotal learning moment in her career. Laura and Emma talk about the role of the Professional Nurse Advocate and the impact it can have on the workforce. Emma and Laura debate about the idea of ‘deskilling’ and how all nurse’s competence develops and involves over time depending on their current role and experience. Emma gives advice for newly qualified nurses and students and also outlines her career plans for the future.