Welcome to the November edition of Edlines

Published: 14 November 2011

It’s going to be an exciting academic year! September brought new curricula at many universities which are now delivering degree only pre-registration nurse education. We would always be interested in hearing about your experiences whether from an academic or a practice perspective. Do get in touch via the email at the bottom of the page.

We have also seen some serious debates being conducted both within and without of the profession of nursing, around standards of care and education required to maintain those standards of care. What are your views of the media coverage of nursing standards and the responsibility of education in delivering them? Let us know.

Industrial action

There are two issues with regards to industrial action. Firstly, students may be concerned about what they should be doing in the event of industrial action on the part of their mentors or other staff.  The RCN has published updated advice for RCN members who may be at work when industrial action is taken by their work colleagues in other unions. Read the guidelines here
Secondly, the University and College Union have issued guidance on working to contract and working to rule.  Read the guidance here

Conference

The National Nurse Education Conference is coming up at the end of February next year and provides us with an opportunity to meet up and discuss some of these important issues. This year there are many research papers and presentations which will stimulate debate and contribute to developing educational standards in the future.  For more details of the conference view the events web page

Don’t forget Congress is coming up in the spring - now is the time to be thinking about what you feel the RCN should be debating and working on in the forthcoming year! If your forum, local branch, or you as an individual, feel strongly about an issue, this is the time to consider drafting a resolution.  This is how we can bring about change for the better so think about how you might play your part.

Literature review

We are fortunate to present the literature review written by Helen Ford of Coventry University: How can registered practitioners be supported to maintain competence in the administration of drugs to their patients (Word 323 KB) The important issue discussed in this review is something that will spawn further work in the future.  Would you be interested in getting involved in any future work? Contact Carol Hall, our chair, if you would like to express an interest by emailing community.editor@rcn.org.uk

Finally...

If you have any items that you would like to have included in the next issue of Edlines, we would be delighted to see them.  Penny Hilton, the editor, is currently unable to undertake editorship and we wish her a speedy return.  In the meantime, please send anything for inclusion to Monicahaggart@btinternet.com

Please note the change of email address.

Monica Haggart
Editor