Honey bees live in advanced societies of overlapping generations of colony members that communicate with each other in many ways.
Likewise, the nursing workforce in every health and care setting is characterised by different generations of staff with a wide range of roles, skills and experience, who constantly communicate.
“These questions are considered in this month’s issue, which focuses on the workforce”
Unlike honey bees, however, the health and care system does not always seem to give sufficient recognition to some parts of its workforce and the hive of experience they represent.
For example, does it sufficiently recognise the value of long-serving nurses and midwives, and the vital role of support workers in nursing teams?
These questions are considered in this month’s issue, which focuses on the workforce. They are not new debates, of course. The Nursing Times Archive shows there were discussions in past decades about the value of registered nurses versus those in the former enrolled nurse role.
Similarly, articles in Nursing Times dating from 1948, the year the NHS was formed, talk about ensuring experience was recognised in salaries as well as promotion. This was during a time before pay band progression, but the current strikes by healthcare assistants in the North West shows that Agenda for Change has not completely solved the issue of valuing these staff.
These challenges, plus potential solutions, are discussed in this issue of Nursing Times, which coincides with the 2023 Nursing Times Workforce Summit & Awards, where members of the profession will gather to discuss, among other things, the new NHS workforce plan for England, recruitment, retention and wellbeing. In addition, nursing shortages are the first topic we want your ideas on to help build our manifesto by nurses.
Ahead of the next general election, Nursing Times is reaching out for your views on what parties should be including in their policy pledges, such as moves to boost nurse numbers and end unsafe staffing.
Like a beehive, safe and effective health and care services are built on their workforce’s size, strength and experience.