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Nursing can be a deeply rewarding profession. Making a positive impact on our patients’ lives can bring a true sense of purpose, despite the demanding and challenging nature of the work

However, factors such as workload, workplace conditions, staff shortages, violence and intimidation take an enormous toll. Burnout due to overwhelming stress is common, with insufficient support provided by employers.

Unfair pay does nothing to recompense us for the enormous value we bring to our society.

Discussions on early retirement and alternative employment are commonplace. And applications to nursing and midwifery courses at UK universities have fallen again to their lowest numbers in 5 years.

But nursing remains a wonderful and rewarding profession - do we say that often and loudly enough? Do we share the negative aspects more than the positive ones? What is it that keeps us in the profession?

How can the ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý celebrate the unparallelled contribution of nursing, while also campaigning for fundamental change?

And how can we as members of the ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý stem the tide and attract more people into nursing?

We hope that this discussion will enable us to share good practice and highlight the personal contribution each of us can make.

References 

UCAS (2025) 2025 Cycle Applicant Figures – 29 January Deadline. Available at: