This is why we are happy to work with colleagues from Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Pennsylvania USA on their Safe Nurse Staffing for Scotland (Nurses4Scotland): A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Understanding your experience today, as a registered nurse or nursing support worker working in the NHS and social care in Scotland, will help us measure compliance with the requirements of the legislation and the difference the legislation makes for you, those you care for, and the wider health and social care workforce over the longer term.
The survey launched today aims to do just that.
The study, being run by Dr Azwa Shamsuddin and Dr Iain Atherton from Edinburgh Napier University in collaboration with Professor Eileen Lake from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, will analyse the feedback you provide and give a solid evidence base to support evaluation of the legislation over the years ahead.
Taking part in the study will not take up much of your time (7-10 minutes) and your contribution will help gather an understanding of current adherence to nursing standards, staffing levels, work environments, and career aspirations at the point of implementation of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019.
Eileen McKenna, Associate Director, RCN Scotland said: “We worked hard to influence and shape Scotland’s safe staffing legislation. We pushed the Scottish government to commit to an implementation date. Now, it’s important that we monitor and scrutinise the impact the Act is having. Taking 10 minutes to complete this survey will help develop the evidence base needed. Please find the time to share your experience.”
Dr Azwa Shamsuddin, Registered Nurse and Lecturer in Nursing at Edinburgh Napier University said: “We are delighted to be working with Professor Eileen Lake and the Royal College of Nursing on this important research. We are hoping that RCN members working in hospitals, community services and care homes will find the time to tell us about their current staffing levels and working conditions. It is so important to understand what staffing levels are like now to be able to measure impact of the legislation in the future.”
The survey is open to all registered nurses and nursing support workers working in the NHS and social care, you don’t have to be a member of the RCN. It is completely anonymous and will be open until 31 May 2024.
