CNO encourages nursing workforce to inform new strategy

The chief nursing officer (CNO) for England has appealed to registered nurses, nursing associates, midwifery professionals and nursing and midwifery students across England to help shape a new strategy for the professions.

Duncan Burton is developing a strategy, as announced earlier this summer, to outline a ‘long-term vision’ for England’s next generation of nursing and midwifery professionals.

Related Article: Nurses to lead new genomics service 

As per details set out in the 10-year plan for the NHS, the strategy is set to focus on supporting nurse progression, student attrition rates and clinical placement opportunities.

The strategy will also outline how nurses, nursing associates and midwives can be supported throughout their careers and what more can be done to ensure nursing and midwifery are ‘modern careers of choice’.

Mr Burton said: ‘The Professional Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery in England represents a defining moment for our professions – a collective opportunity to shape the next era of nursing and midwifery practice, education, research and leadership.

‘Together, we can set out a compelling vision for the future of our professions in England.’

Related Article: Uncertainty around ICB cuts ‘harming and undermining’ nurses

NHS England (NHSE) has said the strategy would be inclusive of ‘all parts’ of the nursing and midwifery workforce.

Last week, deputy chief nursing officer (DCNO) Acosia Nyanin met with Lucy Muchina, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) deputy chief nurse and  representatives from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Students Committee and RCN student ambassadors to discuss their concerns and aspirations for the future of the profession.

Related Article: Nurses must be ‘recognised and rewarded’ to stay in profession, says Streeting

In August, the government launched its ‘Graduate Guarantee’ for nursing and midwifery, with the promise of providing more jobs for newly qualified nurses and midwives by converting healthcare support worker posts into registered nursing positions ‘where suitable’.

Registered nurses, nursing associates and midwives, and nursing and midwifery students can share their views, experiences, aspirations and ideas by completing this survey before Monday 29 September.