NURSING AND EDUCATION PLATFORM

Hooray people cheer- we finally have some sort of set staff level for acute NHS hospital wards. Hang on- could it be  a con??

Acute ward needs 1 to 8 nurses, only has 2 on a shift- will they remove one fro another seting eg continuing care? Will the most vulnerable patients again face less staff and less consideration?

3 nurses to 24 patients- will HCA number be reduced ?

Shortage of nurses many argue, despite 2 thirds of newly qualified nurses not getting  a job, will there be  agreater use of agencey nurses and overseas nurses? (Some may have fake certificates. All have different attitudes/approach/training).

The government seeks (as do other countreis) a cheaper way of nursing.Are we hastening acheivement of this aim?

Foundation Trusts have no Government involevment. Will these nurse levels apply?

This will not it appears, apply to private hospitals or care homes.

Some nurses have different perceptions of their role - "we are not here to do the work of a CA". This approach will require alterations in education of nurses- there are signs that this is already occuring.

USA and Australia do have set staff levels for hospuitals in some states. Some particullary useful ones from ANA/

See qualityofnursingcare.webs.com for refs and free updates.

We need more staff- not only nurses. Nurse levels do differ per speciality.