The needs of newly qualified nurses

The UK government workforce plans all have a focus on growth. However, it is critical that, alongside any growth in our profession, we need to focus on retention. The evidence base regarding retention is concerning, particularly for early career nurses. If we do not pay more attention to this, any growth that occurs will not benefit the public. The landscape in which nurses are operating is challenging.

In its open council meeting in March, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2022) highlighted key recurring themes that have arisen as part of its discussions on the findings of public inquiries and reports into a range of healthcare and workforce issues:

The NMC (2023a) Spotlight report into the experiences of nursing and midwifery professionals new to the register shows that, where professionals lack the right support at the outset of their practice, the consequences can be significant. Furthermore, it is stated that this can affect an individual's confidence, sense of being able to practise safely and whether they intend to stay in their profession.