Setting The Direction For Nursing & Midwifery Education in Scotland

Strategic Aim 2

Embed NHSScotland values^[16] and professionalism in all aspects of nursing and midwifery education, research and practice

Professionalism is the 'value-added' factor that enhances the quality of care (NMAHP Coordinating Council^[17]). Recruiting people who possess and demonstrate care and compassion is vital and a strong emphasis on professionalism must be maintained throughout careers with professional values continually renewed, re-invigorated and supported. Mentors and charge nurses in the Chief Nursing Officer's Education Review felt that the focus on professionalism within current pre-registration education and in Flying Start NHS®^[18] is producing graduates who demonstrate real professional commitment. Education, continuing professional development, supervision and leadership can instill the values, attitudes and behaviors that underpin compassionate and person-centred care and embed the core values of NHSScotland; care and compassion; openness, honesty and accountability; working to the best of our ability; quality and teamwork.

How we are doing this now

Values-based selection

Students and staff are selected for their knowledge and technical skills, and their ability to demonstrate care and compassion in practice. Work commissioned by the Recruitment & Retention Delivery Group has mapped current selection methods for entry to pre-registration nursing and midwifery across Scottish universities and a further project is exploring the evidence base for measuring 'emotional intelligence'. In addition, NHS Education for Scotland and the Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council are leading a UK group on 'attributes and values in selection' to support better understanding and use of evidence-based approaches in recruitment to pre-registration programmes and subsequently to NHS posts.

Professionalism

Professionalism is a key component of the taught curriculum within all pre-registration programmes. Effective mentorship, supervision and leadership in the practice learning environment enables students to adopt professional practice standards at the start of their careers. Continuing professional development enables staff to develop and renew their professional responsibilities. The Education and Role Development Framework for Senior Charge Nurses/Midwives and Team Leaders in all areas of practice^[19] is instrumental in giving this support.

The web based learning programme Flying Start NHS® was introduced in 2006 for newly qualified nurses and midwives and aims to support learning, build confidence and strengthen professional attributes during the first year of practice. Completion rates are highest when Flying Start NHS® is integrated into the workplace, with protected time and mentor support.^[20] Further work, including Effective Practitioner^[21] and initiatives emerging from the Person-centred Care Collaborative, emphasise the importance of continuing support for professionalism.

Improving what we do

2.1 Ensure consistent, evidence-based methods of recruitment and selection in all universities including assessment of values and prior care experience

2.2 Strengthen professionalism as a central concept within all education programmes

2.3 Focus NHSScotland learning and development activity on values and professional codes as well as knowledge, competence and skill

2.4 Use continuing education and development to raise awareness of professional responsibilities including leadership, role modeling, and in supporting change and enhancement in areas where practice can be improved

2.5 Ensure all newly qualified nurses and midwives have access and the support to complete Flying Start NHS® as the start of a postgraduate career pathway and monitor completions nationally

Collaborating for the future

2.6 Work together to support evidence-based enhancements to recruitment

2.7 Work with the Nursing and Midwifery Council to support a more strategic Scottish approach to the regulation of education provision, the educational response to 'fitness to practice' and revalidation

2.8 All stakeholders use networks, involvement in policy, and engagement with the public to define and promote the professional image of nursing and midwifery in Scotland

2.9 Commission student representatives to prepare proposals to government and professional leaders for actions and strategies to reinforce pride and professional identity

2.10 Ensure evidence-based selection methods are used within all career development and advancement processes

2.11 Maximise the opportunities to nurture and develop the professional attributes and behaviours of nurses and midwives and across multi-professional teams