Key politicians and senior nurse leaders were left in no doubt that action is needed now to value nursing and ensure Scotland has the nursing workforce it needs, today and in the future. At a meeting in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (Wednesday 3 May) RCN members from social care, community and acute services shared their personal experiences and perspective on the challenges facing the profession.
The event brought together members from diverse professional and geographical backgrounds to speak directly with key MSPs including the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, Michael Matheson MSP, Jackie Baillie MSP (Labour), Gillian Mackay MSP (Greens) and Sandesh Gulhane MSP (Conservatives).
Scotland’s chief nursing officer, Professor Alex McMahon and representatives from the Scottish Executive Nurse Directors group also joined the session chaired by RCN Scotland Board Chair Julie Lamberth.
Members shared the challenges of working in an environment where staff shortages have become the norm. They talked about the impact on patients and residents and on themselves and colleagues, highlighting the moral injury caused by being unable to provide safe and effective care.
Politicians heard about the need to value registered nurses and nursing support workers equally across all settings and in particular the need to recognise the clinical skills, contribution and impact of nurses working in community services and social care.
A passion for the nursing profession was evident throughout the discussions and there was cross-party commitment to work with the RCN and others to do more to retain experienced nurses and to attract people into the profession.
The meeting coincided with the publication of our second The Nursing Workforce in Scotland report. The report sets out the ‘bigger picture’ around Scotland’s nursing workforce statistics and contains 10 recommendations for tackling the nursing workforce crisis, including an urgent call for a nursing retention strategy.
Julie Lamberth, Chair, RCN Scotland Board said: “Many of the experiences shared this morning were distressing and worrying but what was clear from everyone in the room is that there is a desire to make things better. Having the opportunity to talk directly with the Cabinet Secretary and political and nursing leaders shows that we have a voice and that we are stronger together. We will continue to speak up for our profession and to push to ensure our concerns and suggestions are listened too and acted on.”
Colin Poolman, Director, RCN Scotland said: “There were many powerful stories shared by our members today of experiences, both good and bad. There was talk of hope and a genuine will to make nursing a career of choice once again. This can only be achieved by valuing the contribution of nursing staff, ensuring they are supported, developed and rewarded fairly. The Ministerial taskforce and Agenda for Change review provide an opportunity to address these issues and to set out short, medium and long-term actions to protect the future of nursing.”
