A review of current issues and concerns among nurse educators, with recommendations for change where improvements are needed. Leadership for the future Investing in good leadership at all levels throughout the NHS is vital to re-invigorating the health service and ensuring the success of NHS modernisation. Hardest hit have been the Grade G senior nursing sisters whose numbers have reduced by some 9,000. These are the very nurses expected to provide hands-on care and leadership as 'modern matrons'. This downgrading of roles has happened even though nurses' roles and responsibilities have continued to expand.
Clinical leadership is key to driving up standards of patient care.
In England, the Department of Health has backed the clinical leadership scheme, enabling over 1,000 more nurses to take part. Consultant nurses are expert nurses working at senior level and combining direct patient care with teaching and management responsibilities. The first consultant nurses took up their posts in England from 1 April 2000, on a salary band of 27,460 to 42,010, and posts have been established in Wales and Scotland. However, most consultant nurses have been assigned to the lowest pay points and evidence suggests that this has deterred many experienced nurses from applying. Further opportunities for ongoing professional development should be available through part-time and distance learning for graduates.