With increasing experience and training, there may be a desire by senior ACCPs to work outside of the critical care unit, in roles such as adult critical care transfer. These roles, have the opportunity of enriching the ACCP, thereby making their careers more sustainable, and bringing mutual benefits to patients within and outside of their critical care unit. Where these roles are felt to be desirable, we encourage open dialogue between the ACCP, the unit clinical lead and consultant ACCP supervisor to determine the feasibility and practicality of ACCPs holding such roles. Some key principles must apply to ACCPs working outside of the critical care unit:
- The ACCPs job plan must still incorporate time on the critical care unit. The relative split of time should be determined by mutual agreement with the consultant ACCP supervisor and unit clinical lead.
- The framework and processes of supervision, governance, appraisal, feedback and CPD must be mirrored within and outside of the critical care unit.
- The ACCP must have a nominated consultant ACCP supervisor and line manager within and outside of the critical care unit.
- ACCPs must continue to work within their scope of practice, as defined by the Trust / Health Board Standard Operating Procedures for ACCPs, FICM, and the multiprofessional framework for advanced practice6. Where the role demands knowledge, skills and experience not covered as part of the ACCP’s training, an appropriate educational package, with assessment of competence and a clearly described governance framework must be in place.
- Where an ACCP works between two employers it is the responsibility of the employer to arrange and review local scope of practice, pay and banding with the appropriate governance structure.
