Nicola Bloomfield, Registered Nurse

Professional Experience

I qualified as a registered nurse in 2015 and since then I have gained a wealth of experience working as an advanced clinical practitioner (ACP), with a strong background in acute and elective surgical care. My role encompasses comprehensive patient assessment, diagnostics, treatment planning, and post-operative management across a wide range of surgical specialties, including general surgery, orthopaedics (previously), and emergency surgical admissions.
My advanced clinical training and experience have developed my ability to make sound, evidence-based decisions under pressure, conduct thorough and accurate documentation, and apply current national and local clinical guidelines to practice. I am proficient in interpreting diagnostic imaging and pathology results, and performing clinical procedures such as wound care, drain and catheter management, minor suturing, and abscess drainage. I actively contribute to ward rounds, surgical decision-making, and discharge planning, ensuring patient safety and continuity of care. In addition, leading on clinical governance initiatives, including audit and quality improvement projects for the general surgical department. As part of my role, I maintain an active presence on the wards, and assist the ward nurses when required.
I possess an in-depth understanding of surgical care pathways, patient safety, informed consent, and risk management, and have frequently participated in case reviews, incident investigations, and root cause analyses. These experiences have reinforced my analytical and objective approach to clinical events, enabling me to assess standards of care against accepted practice and professional frameworks. My communication skills are a key strength, allowing me to engage effectively with patients, families, and colleagues, and explain complex clinical information clearly and professionally. I pride myself of delivering a robust combination of clinical expertise, critical analysis, and professional integrity.

Professional Development

I maintain my professional development and NMC standards by attending relevant training
Completion of the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice has strengthened my professional capability to work autonomously within a general surgical setting. The programme enhanced advanced clinical assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and decision-making skills for managing complex surgical patients across the peri-operative pathway. Learning was grounded in the four pillars of advanced practice: clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research. This qualification supported my development as a clinical leader, enabling me to contribute to service improvement, patient safety initiatives, and evidence-based practice. It also enhanced my ability to support and educate colleagues, work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, and deliver high-quality, patient-centred care aligned with contemporary healthcare standards.