Ensuring a fit for purpose future nursing workforce

Professor Dame Jill Macleod Clark, Deputy Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Head of School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Southampton, has generated this paper to promote discussion and the views expressed are those of Professor Dame Jill Macleod Clark alone. This paper has been published on the RCN website in order to generate debate about Modernising Nursing Careers and the future for pre- and post-registration nurse education and career pathways.

The RCN is providing a range of papers to aid understanding and contribution to the Modernising Nursing Careers (MNC) initiative. This paper provides some reflections on this agenda, an interpretation of the drivers for change in the nursing profession and a vision for future nursing structures, career pathways and educational approaches. It is important to emphasise that these are personal reflections and observations and are designed to provoke discussion and debate. However the underlying belief is that the profession must bite the bullet and embrace radical change without delay. This is essential if nursing is to be fit for purpose in the coming decades.

For further information, please email papa.ukintl.dept@rcn.org.uk