16.05.14
Older nurses encouraged to return to NHS
Older nurses are being encouraged to return to work in the NHS because of concerns over a staff shortage in experienced or specialised nurses.
Research conducted on behalf of Health Education England (HEE) by NHS Employers revealed that 83% of trust respondents are experiencing “qualified nursing workforce supply shortages”.
The findings also revealed that 39% of surveyed organisations are estimated to have between 1-50 FTE (Full Time Equivalent) hard-to-fill nursing vacancies, while 36% have an estimated 50-100 FTE vacancies.
Janice Stevens, managing director of Health Education West Midlands, who is leading the work for HEE, said there were inconsistent practices across the country and those wishing to return had mixed experiences.
She said: “Where trusts do have shortages of nurses, it is often those with experience that they need most. Attracting nurses back to practice has the potential to address current shortages.”
The next phase of work being led by HEE will help encourage registered nurses back to work, especially as the research has shown that employers often require more experienced or specialised nurses. There will also be a review of the content of the educational programmes to ensure they equip nurses with the skills required of modern nursing practice.
Dr Peter Carter, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said: “The NHS Employers’ survey shows that the vast majority of health service organisations in England are experiencing shortages in the supply of qualified nurses.
“More than half of respondents are considering recruiting nurses from abroad because there are not enough in the UK. This is a clear sign of failure in the NHS’ approach to workforce planning.
“It is certainly positive that NHS organisations are now acknowledging the need for more nurses, but urgent action must be taken to address the current shortfalls in the nursing workforce.”
Earlier this week, on International Nurses Day, England’s chief nursing officer Jane Cummings stated that over the years, healthcare demand has changed beyond recognition but the remarkable job that nurses do remains inspiring.
She stated, though, that “it would be glib to ignore the real pressures nurses are under”. She explained: “Change is needed and central to this is having the right workforce, in the right place, not only with the right skills and time to deliver patient-centred care but one that is representative, from board to ward, of the patients we serve.”
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