The head of the UK's largest nursing union is today calling for a “seismic shift” for nursing with the profession recognised and paid fairly for its safety critical skills.
In a message to more than half a million members, Royal College of Nursing General Secretary and Chief Executive, Pat Cullen says that in this election year “let’s open the biggest public and political conversation about the value of nursing and tell the sceptics why nursing is unique, why patients need us and how we know why we deserve better.”
Last year NHS nursing staff received the lowest pay deal in the public sector and the government has already signalled any pay offer for 2024-25 will be late, leaving the nursing workforce feeling disrespected and with little assurance change will come.
The current pay scale for NHS nursing staff is nearly 20 years old and no longer reflects the skills and expertise of nursing today.
As the RCN launches a listening exercise with members to inform its response to a government consultation on a new pay scale for nursing staff, Cullen tells members:
“It should never be the case that to get on in your nursing career, you are forced to move away from delivering clinical care.
“It should never be the case that you finish your nursing career on the same salary band as you started. You should never amass decades of experience but see no recognition of it in your salary.”
In a signal that there needs to be a change in the way nursing is valued, Cullen continues:
“Agenda for Change has lost sight of our value. After 20 years, three-quarters of our members are on the two lowest pay bands possible for registered professionals. We are weighted to the bottom of the pay and grading structure without a clear route through.”
Calling for greater opportunities for nursing staff, Cullen says:
“I want the career pathway for nursing to be smashed wide open. Whether you take on management roles or not, your knowledge and excellence as a nursing professional has to be recognised.
“Patients want the experienced nurse as well as the new joiner involved in their care and treatment.
“This work is about every nursing role – registrants and support workers; newly qualified and the more senior; and every current grade right through to the very top chief nurse where you work.”
In a warning to all political parties, Cullen says:
“Nursing staff are safety critical. Services should not run without us. But today’s poor understanding of our value leaves record jobs unfilled. Investment in nursing is investment in our population’s health. It is sound economics and what’s best for patients.
“Nursing is not a calling. Or a vocation. Or ‘women’s work’. We are a profession; we are experts; we are leaders. There is an art and a science to what we do.
“In 2024, nursing roles are held in high regard by patients and service users, but politicians are yet to catch up.
“Nursing needs a seismic shift and a new place in health care.”
EndsNotes to editors
The RCN is today (31 January) launching a listening exercise with its members to inform a response to the UK government’s consultation on a new pay spine for nursing. See more information about the government consultation and the RCN’s initial response.
