Nursing Bulletin: Autumn 2023

Introducing key papers and publications that focus mainly on the latest news and issues in the nursing profession.

The British Journal of Nursing, Nursing Times, British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, Journal of Perioperative Practice and the British Journal of Midwifery are all either available in print within the library or online via your OpenAthens username and password.

Please click on the links below and enter your OpenAthens username and password to download the full text or contact the library at esth.hirsonlibrary@nhs.net to request the full text.

The role of simulation in delivering a modern workforce
Abstract: The NHS workforce in England faces unprecedented challenges in 2023, including dealing with the backlog of both physical and mental health care caused by the pandemic and the need to create a system of health and care that tackles both health inequalities and other weaknesses. The NHS People Plan 2020/21 was established to outline several priorities and to accommodate the health needs of an ever-changing demographic.
Source: Mitchell A. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(8):390-392

Gender Pay Gap Report 2022
Abstract: A report outlining the statistics of the gender pay gap at the Royal College of Nursing, 2022.
Source: Royal College of Nursing (RCN); 2023 [Freely available online]

Mental health nursing: a profession that must be valued (English)
Abstract: Mental health nursing is an extremely diverse field, but a stigma remains around severe and enduring mental ill-health. This, combined with a lack of investment in inpatient services, has contributed to inequalities within mental health service provision. This paper presents a range of recommendations for the Welsh government to improve mental health service provision through investment in education, improved career pathways, workforce planning, and more.
Source: Royal College of Nursing (RCN); 2023 [Freely available online]

Learning the rules of the game: how health and social care students learn to learn
Abstract: Practice placements are essential to pre-registration nurses, midwives and allied health professionals, providing theoretical underpinning and developing professional identity. Professional bodies clearly stipulate the amount of practice required. For example, in the UK, it is 50% of the pre-registered nursing programme (Health and Care Professions Council, 2018; Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2018; Social Work England, 2021).
Source: Knight KH. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(9):404-406

Supporting international recruits
Abstract: Having recently joined the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in my new role, I am confident that all the discussions that are central to our professional agenda are happening at the Council table. The NMC is not responsible for recruitment of professionals to the register – the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has a code of practice for international recruitment to make sure employers recruit ethically.
Source: Foster S. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(9):453

Just culture development and patient safety in the NHS
Abstract: Over a working lifetime, most people probably spend more time at work than they do with their families at home. In the employment context, we talk about relationships and the need to maintain them. Some view their colleagues at work as a family, where a breakdown of relationships can take a huge emotional and physical toll on the employee.
Source: Tingle J. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(9):448-449

The leadership role and development for the registered nursing associate
Abstract: A significant factor affecting what happens within the workplace is culture. ‘It's the way we do things round here’ is often how people will describe organisational culture. Warrick (2017) likened culture to precious treasures, saying that culture can be an organisation's greatest treasure (asset) and, therefore, it needs to be cared for and nurtured. The role of a leader and their impact on the organisation's culture is one that is widely acknowledged.
Source: Rixon J. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(10):484-485

The NMC register: 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023
Abstract: The number of nurses, midwives and nursing associates registered to practise in the UK has grown to a record total of 788,638. The number of people leaving the professions fell slightly last year to just under 27,000. However, there are concerns about future retention of staff, with 52 percent of professionals who left the register saying they did so earlier than planned.
Source: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC); 2023 [Freely available online]

Nursing and midwifery national job profile review - evidence report
Abstract: Following a request by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), the NHS Staff Council’s Job Evaluation Group undertook a review of the national job profiles for nursing and midwifery. The aim of this review is to ensure that these profiles reflect current nursing and midwifery practice and are fit for purpose in all health and care settings. This report is the output from the evidence-gathering stage of the review project.
Source: NHS Staff Council; 2023 [Freely available online]

Navigating cultural competence in district nursing
Abstract: This article aims to provide an outline of key areas for exploration in cultural competence. It will highlight communication, pain, end of life, nutrition and health disparities to consider barriers and challenges for district nursing practice.
Source: Reeve L. British Journal of Community Nursing 2023; 28(7):338-343

The pandemic has ended….
Abstract: While's Words: reflection on WHO's declaration that COVID-19 no longer represents a public health emergency of international concern.
Source: While A. British Journal of Community Nursing 2023; 28(7):318-319

Raising and Escalating Concerns: A guide for nurses, nursing associates, students and health care support workers
Abstract: This resource, aimed at NHS and independent sector nursing staff and student nurses, will support you to raise concerns wherever you work. It includes a decision making flowchart to help staff and students decide whether to raise a concern and when to escalate a concern.
Source: Royal College of Nursing (RCN); 2023 [Freely available online]

Exploring the contribution and impact of master’s education for leadership development in adult general nursing: a scoping review
Abstract: The aim of this scoping review was to explore the evidence relating to master’s education for leadership development in adult/general nurses not in advanced practice or leadership roles and its impact on practice. The importance of effective, clinical leadership in nursing and health care, has been highlighted following failings reported by Public Inquiries both nationally and internationally. While initiatives have been implemented, the provision of safe, quality care remains problematic.
Source: Carson O. Nurse Education in Practice 2023; 71:103697

Valuing the emotions of leadership learning experience in nursing education
Abstract: This paper argues that a greater understanding of the role of emotions in experiencing leadership, the impact of role models and cultures of the workplace and profession, may enable further development for effective leadership development at undergraduate level and beyond. Leadership has gained prominence as a necessary skill in nursing literature and policy, linking its importance to patient safety, working cultures, resilience and emotional labour globally.
Source: James AH. Nurse Education in Practice 2023; 71:103716

Overcoming the nursing workforce crisis in Europe to improve care for people with non-communicable diseases
Abstract: Throughout Europe, poor working conditions and high workloads (Dall'Ora et al, 2020), low pay (OECD and European Union, 2022) and a lack of career opportunities (RCN, 2023) are contributing to high numbers of nurses quitting or considering quitting the profession. A 2020 review of UK working conditions found that public sector nurses had higher levels of stress, greater pressure from staff shortages and double the number of sickness days of those working in the private sector.
Source: Racoviță M. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(14):698

Nurse mentors' experiences with suitability assessments in clinical placement: a qualitative study
Abstract: It is the schools’ responsibility to assess students, but mentors play an important role when students are in clinical placements. Clinical placements are typical arenas for assessing suitability. This study aims to explore mentors’ experiences with assessing the suitability of nursing students in clinical placements in a context where suitability assessment is required by law.
Source: Natterøy C. Nurse Education in Practice 2023; 72:103755
Contact the library for a copy of this article

Managing the healthcare support worker workforce post pandemic: the organisational perspective. Part 1/2
Abstract: This article discusses the importance of the HCSW workforce and the continued HCSW contribution to the delivery of high-quality care, which has combined with a growing recognition of the role as a stepping-stone into registered nursing and, therefore, a means of addressing broader recruitment challenges.
Source: Women in Global Health. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 2023; 17(1): 020–025

Can a simulated window improve the ward environment? A survey of patient, carer and staff perspectives
Abstract: The simulated window was generally viewed positively or neutrally across participant groups, with feedback noting improvements to the technology that would lead to a better experience.
Source: Kawanishi H. British Journal of Healthcare Management 2023; 29(9):252-259

Raising the profile of nurse leadership
Abstract: It is undeniable that being a nurse leader is a role that requires complex skills. I have been reflecting this month, following the recent media reports of significant patient harm, which have been frequently linked to criticism of nursing leadership. This does raise questions regarding what our profession and wider teams need to consider to support those in nursing leadership roles, as well as how we support and encourage aspiring nurse leaders to realise their potential and make a difference.
Source: Foster S. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(17):857

Managing the healthcare support worker workforce post-pandemic: the organisational perspective Part 2/2
Abstract: The second of two-parts, this article discusses the importance of the HCSW workforce and the continued HCSW contribution to the delivery of high-quality care, which has combined with a growing recognition of the role as a stepping-stone into registered nursing and, therefore, a means of addressing broader recruitment challenges.
Source: Kessler I. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 2023; 17(9):326–332

Managing the long-term effects of COVID-19: implications for community nurses
Abstract: The dual impact of supporting those with long COVID in communities, alongside the impact of the pandemic on the workforce is challenging. This is particularly so when pent up demand and fiscal constraints on the NHS and social care exist. The community nursing voice needs to be heard at this critical time as people, families and the health and social care workforce deal with the ongoing impact of an unprecedented pandemic and its legacy.
Source: Kennedy C. British Journal of Community Nursing 2023; 28(10):473

Costs and cost-effectiveness of improved nurse staffing levels and skill mix in acute hospitals: A systematic review
Abstract: Although more evidence on cost-effectiveness is still needed, increases in absolute or relative numbers of registered nurses in general medical and surgical wards have the potential to be highly cost-effective. The preponderance of the evidence suggests that increasing the proportion of registered nurses is associated with improved outcomes and, potentially, reduced net cost.
Source: Griffiths P. International Journal of Nursing Studies 2023; 147:104601

How far I've come: reflecting on my progress after 6 months in the role
Abstract: In her series on the early steps of a newly qualified nurse, Heather George, Critical Care Staff Nurse, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (heather.george2@nhs.scot), considers how experience is improving her confidence.
Source: George H. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(10): 490

Summer reflections and a personal tribute
Abstract: The summer months can be a time for many of us to take a professional breath and reflect on the first half of the year: accomplishments, challenges and the way forward. The schedule of life has never been so full and the world of tissue viability is having an extraordinary year. Whatever your forte, skin health and wound care issues have been at the forefront of nursing practice this year, pioneering innovation, collaboration and campaigns.
Source: Geraghty J. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(15): S4

Nursing Bulletin: Spring 2023

Introducing key papers and publications that focus mainly on the latest news and issues in the nursing profession.

The British Journal of Nursing, Nursing Times, British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, Journal of Perioperative Practice and the British Journal of Midwifery are all either available in print within the library or online via your OpenAthens username and password. 

Please click on the links below and enter your OpenAthens username and password to download the full text or contact the library at esth.hirsonlibrary@nhs.net  to request the full text.

Combatting racial discrimination against minority ethnic nurses, midwives and nursing associates
Abstract: This document provides practical examples of how, as nursing and midwifery professionals, you can recognise, and challenge racial discrimination, harassment, and abuse. It also highlights other useful resources and training materials that will support you to care with confidence.
Source: NHS England; 2022 [Freely available online]

Ambitious for change: phase two report
Abstract: The second phase provided clear evidence to show that professionals with certain diversity characteristics experience NMC processes differently. We’re developing actions to help address these issues, which we’ll take forward as part of our EDI plan.
Source: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC); 2022 [Freely available online]

The experiences of mature nursing students: achievements against the odds
Abstract: The abolition of the student bursary for nurse education in 2017 led to a decrease of 15.2% in mature nursing students (Office for Students, 2019). Before this, the average age of a student nurse at entry was 29. Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) figures indicate that the number of applicants to nursing courses over the age of 20 has dropped by 40% (UCAS, 2019). This problem exists alongside the national shortage of nurses.
Source: Leader C. British Journal of Nursing 2022; 31(20): 1063-1065

Research skills in practice
Abstract: Facilitating the conceptual leap for student midwives towards embedding evidence-based practice and research in midwifery. Educators need to facilitate evidence-based practice and research learning in such a way that newly qualified midwives continue with evidence-based practice post-registration, gaining confidence to implement best available evidence, becoming role models for evidence-based practice and research.
Source: Folliard K. British Journal of Midwifery 2022; 30(8): 426-427

The impact of hospital design on patients and staff
Abstract: Good hospital design should not be an afterthought, a lovely and surprising bonus, or something only for new spaces that, over time through poor future planning and lack of finances, degrade to meet the poor standards of the NHS estate; it should be a basic requirement. Every day I see staff and patients frustrated by the physical space in which health care is carried out. They are frustrated by a lack of appropriate space, bad artificial lighting and confusing signage.
Source: Inniss R. British Journal of Nursing 2022; 31(21): 1078

The potential benefits of legacy mentoring for newly qualified nurses [Editorial]
Abstract: The growing shortage of nursing staff is of increasing concern for healthcare organisations. The nursing workforce is depleted by issues such as high turnover, stress, and burnout (Wissemann et al., 2022). Health care organisations are currently committed to address the difficulties associated with the retention of newly qualified nurses, which is an increasingly pressing issue.
Source: Wray J. Nurse Education in Practice 2022; 66: 103511

Labour induction and ethnicity
Abstract: Ethnicity has been shown to be linked with a lower rate of labour induction, but differences in care, including evidence of mistreatment for women from ethnic minorities can complicate policies and plans for providing midwifery care. Ethnicity can influence perinatal and obstetric outcomes; gestational time is shorter in black and Asian women compared with white European women and racial and ethnic disparities in caesarean section rates also exist.
Source: Winter G. British Journal of Midwifery 2022; 30(10): 597-598

Migrant women and mental health
Abstract: The need for midwives involved in caring for migrant women to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes to provide perinatal mental healthcare in culturally responsive ways. Cultural humility encourages openness, empathy and respect for cultural differences and the use of the 5Rs framework to develop this is explored.
Source: Markey K. British Journal of Midwifery 2022; 30(10): 592-595

Training on cultural competency for perinatal mental health peer supporters
Abstract: Research into the effectiveness of a training package for peer supporters combining perinatal mental health and the impact of migration to enable better support for women from ethnic minorities with perinatal mental ill health. The project brought together charity organisation, Light Pre and Postnatal Support and Sheffield Hallam University.
Source: Marvin-Dowle K. British Journal of Midwifery 2022; 30(12): 668-676

Culture and breastfeeding support
Abstract: The impact of culture on breastfeeding, and the importance of cultural competence amongst health professionals. Health professionals should also acknowledge the historical context in which certain feeding practices and choices could be rooted, and it is noted some cultural and religious practices are known to discourage exclusive breastfeeding.
Source: Guttierez V. British Journal of Midwifery 2022; 30(12): 713-715

Investing in Patient Safety and Outcomes
Abstract: Addressing workforce shortages and ensuring that there are the right numbers of registered nurses and nursing staff with the right skills in the right place at the right time is vital to ensure everyone can access safe and effective health and care services. This report highlights how successive UK governments have failed to tackle the nursing workforce crisis and presents solutions for sustainable nursing recruitment and retention.
Source: Royal College of Nursing (RCN); 2022 [Freely available online]

Good nursing teamwork reduces fatigue but cannot offset the strain of excessive workloads
Abstract: Efforts to improve teamworking may lead to reduced long-term fatigue in staff. However, careful attention to the size of workloads remains an essential part of managing staff well-being. Further studies could determine whether the quality of teamwork predicts fatigue prospectively. Interventions that target improved teamworking, such as simulation training with a focus on team communication, could usefully be evaluated with regard to impact on staff fatigue and resilience.
Source: Colville G. Evidence-Based Nursing 2023; 26(1): 33

Preparing nurse educators for NMC standards for student supervision and assessment: the impact 4 years on
Abstract: Four years on from its launch in 2018 (at the time of writing), the authors provide an up-to-date efficacy assessment of the ongoing implementation of the Nursing and Midwifery Council's Future Nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses. Although these standards have comprehensively transformed the mentorship practices of nursing education courses within higher education, this article provides the first attempt to gauge and synthesise attitudes towards their implementation.
Source: Whaley V. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(3): 130-135

Supporting international colleagues
Abstract: The NHS People Plan and the NHS Long Term Plan described the ethical recruitment of internationally educated nurses (IENs) as an important part of the workforce supply strategy of NHS organisations for the next 10 years. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2022) reported that, overall, the number of nursing professionals on the register increased by more than 13 000 between April and September 2022 to a record 771 445. This growth was driven largely by nurses trained outside the UK.
Source: Foster S. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(3): 159

Keeping our patients safe
Abstract: Patient safety is the driver that is threaded through all of the current Royal College of Nursing (RCN) communications, and its requests to the UK government to commence discussions concerning nursing pay.
Source: Sam Foster. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(2): 91

Health inequalities in later life
Abstract: Various recent events have heightened awareness of potential discrimination as the cause of unfair and unequal treatment within the UK, The challenge for community nurses and other healthcare professionals is to make a meaningful impact in the existing health inequalities and health disparities through recognising health need both in their clients and wider family groups and offering appropriate interventions.
Source: While A. British Journal of Community Nursing 2023; 28(3): 112-114

Her stories: ending sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) of women health workers
Abstract: Women, as 70% of health workers globally (Boniol et al, 2019), were widely applauded for the exceptional contribution they made to health service delivery and saving lives during the pandemic. Yet behind the apparent respect paid to the women who deliver health services to around 5 billion people globally, is a dark story that often remains untold—significant numbers of women health workers experience violence and harassment in the course of their work.
Source: Women in Global Health. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 2023; 17(1): 020–025

How did we get here? Explaining the persistent barriers NHS clinical support workers can face in England
Abstract: NHS clinical support workers have long experienced a range of barriers to their effective deployment and development. These include a lack of standardised entry requirements, inconsistent task deployment and truncated career progression pathways. This article suggests that a deeper reason is the existence of a segmented labour market in the NHS, with support workers existing in a secondary market. Recent NHS support workforce strategies present an opportunity to finally address these issues.
Source: Griffin R. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 2023; 17(1): 012–019

Valuing Nursing in the UK
Abstract: Despite public support for the nursing profession, governments across the UK are failing to value and support nursing staff. Nursing staff feel undervalued and unsafe, causing an alarming number to leave the profession altogether. This report presents a range of factors which impact retention, as well as recommendations for action to bring widespread benefits for the workforce, and for safe and effective care.
Source: Royal College of Nursing (RCN); 2023 [Freely available online]

Job demands at the patient's bedside and their effects on stress and satisfaction of nurses
Abstract: The study provides evidence that rates of burn-out and stress do not differ based on the work area of nurses. Because job demands at the patient's bed correlated with all outcomes, measures to improve this specific workspace are sensible.
Source: Wenderott K. BMJ Open Quality 2023; 12(1): e002025

Impact of Staffing Levels on Safe and Effective Patient Care
Abstract: This evidence review was commissioned to support policy influencing and to point RCN staff and members towards the latest evidence on staffing for safe and effective care. A previous evidence review was completed to support the RCN’s Staffing for Safe and Effective Care (2019) report, with this current evidence review bringing that up to date.
Source: Royal College of Nursing (RCN); 2023 [Freely available online]

From clinical to corporate: opportunities for nurses away from the bedside
Abstract: Knowledge of employment possibilities within the public, private and non-profit sectors can be elusive to the nursing community, with much onus being placed on career opportunities within the NHS. Traditionally, the role of the nurse has been perceived to be by the beside but, as the healthcare industry and policy landscape expands, nurses are becoming a valuable asset due to their knowledge of healthcare infrastructure and patient experience.
Source: Evans L. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(6): 306-308

How to become a compassionate leader
Abstract: While numerous critical pay negotiations continue between the Government and trade unions, several colleagues have reinforced to me the message that the ‘conditions’ element of ‘pay and conditions’ is a significant driver in how likely we are to remain in our roles, how enabled we are to deliver our roles and how this benefits others.
Source: Foster S. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(6): 313

The experience of nurses participating in peer group supervision: a qualitative systematic review
Abstract: This systematic review will identify, appraise, and synthesise the best available qualitative studies exploring nurses’ experiences of peer group supervision. The review purpose draws from the synthesised evidence recommendations to enhance policy and implementation of peer group supervision in practice.
Source: Tulleners T. Nurse Education in Practice 2023; 69: 103606
Contact the library for a copy of this article

Newly qualified graduate nurses’ experiences of workplace incivility in healthcare settings: an integrative review
Abstract: This study aimed to explore, identify and integrate the existing knowledge to categorise the characteristics, likelihood, and consequences of workplace incivility among newly qualified graduate registered nurses. A particular focus of this review is on the experiences of new nurses related to these negative workplace behaviours and the strategies employed by these nurses and their organisations to manage workplace incivility.
Source: Mammen B. Nurse Education in Practice 2023; 69: 103611
Contact the library for a copy of this article

Choosing midwifery − the perceptions and experiences of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants to midwifery programmes: a mixed methods study
Abstract: This study aimed to explore recruitment to UK midwifery programmes from the perspective of applicants from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups and describe the perceptions and experiences of the application process for these applicants and those from white backgrounds.
Source: Okiki C. Nurse Education in Practice 2023; 69: 103626

Introduction of the professional nurse advocate role using a quality implementation framework
Abstract: Implementation of the professional nurse advocate (PNA) role and the Advocating and Educating for QUality ImProvement model (A-EQUIP) in nursing is relatively new. The model aims to build personal and professional resilience, enhance the quality of care and support preparedness for appraisal and professional revalidation. AIM: To describe the implementation of the PNA role in a combined acute and community trust in England.
Source: Smythe A. British Journal of Nursing 2023; 32(8): 378-383

Nurse staffing and inpatient mortality in the English National Health Service: a retrospective longitudinal study
Abstract: RN staffing and seniority levels were associated with patient mortality. The lack of association for HCSWs and agency nurses indicates they are not effective substitutes for RNs who regularly work on the ward.
Source: Zaranko B. BMJ Quality & Safety 2023; 32(5): 254-263

Nurse staffing and patient safety in acute hospitals: Cassandra calls again? [Editorial]
Abstract: The risk of adverse patient outcomes, including death, is lower in hospitals that provide more registered nurses to care for patients on inpatient wards. The association has been demonstrated in a body of evidence comprising several hundred studies, involving hundreds of hospitals and millions of patients from around the world.
Source: Griffiths P. BMJ Quality & Safety 2023; 32(5): 241-243