25. Nursing the next generation
Bedfordshire Branch
(R) That this meeting of RCN Congress recommends a career in nursing to the next generation
Result
The resolution was .
For: 378 (96.18%)
Against: 15 (3.82%)
Abstain: 7
Debate report
Proposer Val Outhwaite from the Bedfordshire Branch, said that nursing as a career is at a crossroads; viewed as a poor career choice and has little support from the national media.
She spoke passionately about her love of nursing and called for the nurses of today to inspire the nursing staff of the future.
She said: “We can change people’s lives, and nursing changes your own life.
“Let’s rise to the challenge and shape the next generation of nurses.”
The need for mentors and positive role models was repeatedly mentioned by everyone speaking on this topic, as well as calls for positive national media campaigns and structured and set development across the country, so that those entering the profession could clearly see how they could further develop.
James Hellard, Outer London South West Branch, made the case for work experience opportunites to be developed to give young people a taste of what nursing is, and several people mentioned the need to promote careers in health care support work as well as nursing, bringing regulation and training in those roles up to the same standard as that of nursing to ensure good practice as well as development.
Background
Despite several recent adverse media reports on non-compassionate or non-caring nursing, the profession continues to be a popular career choice and evidence indicates applications for nursing education places have increased once again in 2012.
However, the average age of a student nurse remains 29 years, suggesting that while school leavers are entering nursing there are a significant number of more mature candidates. Indeed, a 2008 statistical report by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2008) reveals that just 9 per cent of the nursing population was under 29 years of age. From September 2013, a degree level qualification will be required to enter the register and this may well have a bearing on those that enter nursing.
The RCN employment survey of 2011 suggested that while RCN members’ commitment to their role and nursing remains high, fewer respondents state that they are enthusiastic about their job (71 per cent compared to
81 per cent in 2009) or that nursing is a rewarding career (73 per cent compared to
81 per cent). These feelings are combining to make members less likely to
recommend nursing as a career to other people, with just 47 per cent of respondents
likely to do so, compared to 60 per cent two years ago.
In Scotland, a work stream of the government-led Student Recruitment, Selection and Retention Delivery Group is looking at the image of nursing and careers in nursing and midwifery. In February 2012 the Group launched a new nursing and midwifery careers website.
In Northern Ireland, the RCN works in partnership with schools and colleges to promote nursing as a career. In conjunction with the British Medical Association, the RCN recently held an open day for pupils considering a career in health care, and the RCN regularly participates in school careers fairs to promote nursing as a career.
The RCN also works in partnership with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) in Northern Ireland to develop and support specific targeted careers campaigns, such as mental health nursing. Nursing remains a popular career choice in Northern Ireland, with between four and five applicants for each available pre-registration nursing place.
In Wales, careers 'care' conferences are held targeting years 12 and 13 in schools to inform them about nursing and its education requirements.
References and further reading
Nursing and Midwifery Council (2008) Statistical analysis of the register 1 April 2007 – 31 March 2008, London: NMC. Available at: http://www.nmc-uk.org/Documents/Statistical%20analysis%20of%20the%20register/NMC-Statistical-analysis-of-the-register-2007-2008.pdf (accessed 6/3/12).
Extraordinary Everyday http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/
NHS Nursing Careers http://nursing.nhscareers.nhs.uk
