In an historic move, the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS) has recruited 20 community nurses to take part in a professional development programme that will earn them the right to use the coveted Queen’s Nurse title.
On completion of the programme, they will be the first nurses to receive the title in Scotland for almost 50 years.
The first cohort of modern Queen’s Nurses, drawn from Health Boards and other independent organisations across Scotland, will enable teams to promote health improvement and deliver quality care.
The community nurses who will take part in the first QNIS development programme of the 21st century work in a range of roles within community nursing, including district nursing, health visiting, midwifery, mental health nursing, practice nursing and criminal justice.
“They have all demonstrated their impact as experienced practitioners and clinical leaders,” says Clare Cable, Chief Executive and Nurse Director of QNIS. “Now they have the opportunity to further enhance their professional skills by becoming Queen’s Nurses.”
Historically, the Queen’s Nurse title was awarded to nurses who completed training that equipped them to work in the community. They provided healthcare and health promotion to people in their own homes, and were well respected in the communities in which they practised.
“With health policy rapidly shifting the balance of care towards care at home, it is an opportune time to highlight the important contribution of community nurses,” says Scotland’s Chief Nursing Officer, Fiona McQueen. “The return of Queen’s Nurse title is a very welcome mark of professional excellence.”
The new Queen’s Nurses will take part in a nine-month programme, developing and honing their existing skills and capabilities, culminating in an Awards Ceremony in December.
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