The survey of 425 nurses in advanced roles found that 73% believe the current system puts patients at risk. The vast majority (98%) also agree that there should be nationally agreed minimum standards of competence for nurses in advanced roles.
Most (80%) thought the NMC should regulate advanced nurse roles, and 93% backed a separate part of the register. A majority (58%) said they would pay an extra fee to enable this to happen. Most suggested around £50, but others said they would pay up to £200.
Sandy Reid, a nurse practitioner in Staffordshire, backed calls for better regulation. But she warned the NMC would struggle to define advanced working because ‘every employer defines it differently'. She rejected calls for advanced nurses to have degrees: ‘I've been doing this job for 15 years, and haven't got a degree.'
For the full story see this week's issue of Independent Nurse, dated 21 September.
- Should a separate register be set up for nurses in advanced roles?
