Future of nursing: Analysis on the global direction of travel for the nursing profession

This RCN briefing identifies key trends that have emerged from national vision strategies in England, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Northern Ireland and complement the RCN’s This is nursing initiative which looks at the reality of nursing and outlines areas for further investment in education, regulation and leadership. 

There is almost a consensus internationally on the type of investment and improvements needed to strengthen the nursing profession, particularly in areas like education and training, advanced practice, regulation for health care support workers and developing nurse leaders. National vision strategies discussed in this briefing draw on similar challenges and demonstrate clarity of purpose and movement for the nursing profession towards the year 2020 and beyond.

As a dynamic profession, nurses have embraced change and developed new and improved ways of delivering care that address the realities of delivering health care in the 21st century. The RCN recognises that nursing contributions from ward to board level have been instrumental in improving patient outcomes, identifying efficient and innovative care solutions, and more broadly shaping health and social care reforms and service redesign. The RCN‟s This is Nursing initiative highlight the realities of nursing and outline the improvements and investment needed to reduce health inequalities, develop safe care practices and strengthen the health workforce.

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