Removing the 'Un': the evolving 'skilled' and 'trained' nursing support worker role

Collaboration: RCN Older People’s Forum, Care Home Network,  Nursing Support  Worker Committee

Aiming to highlight and showcase the skills, knowledge and innovative practice that the nursing support worker (NSW) role brings to the NHS and the IHSC, this session will invite delegates to think about the impact of language being used when referring to nursing support worker colleagues – words like ‘untrained’, ‘unskilled’ and ‘non-professional’ that underestimate the value that the nursing support workforce add.

Delegates will hear first-hand from members about their own skills and diverse roles and the impact that negative language has had on them.

By the end of the session delegates will be able to:

• identify the skills, knowledge and innovative practice showcased by the nursing support worker members
• discuss the positive impact on patient care and potential impact on career development/recruitment and retention
• determine if the NSW roles showcased could be replicated within other organisations
• discuss the impact of how language can impact on the nursing support workforce

The session is aimed at the whole nursing workforce across NHS and independent health and social care.