The nursing workforce in every health and care setting is characterised by different generations of staff with a wide range of roles, skills and experience, who constantly communicate.
However, the health and care system does not always seem to give sufficient recognition to some parts of its workforce and the hive of experience that they represent. For example, does it sufficiently recognise the value of long-serving nurses and midwives, and the vital role of support workers in nursing teams?
These questions are considered in this month’s issue, which is focused on the workforce. It also coincides with the 2023 Nursing Times Workforce Summit & Awards, where members of the profession will gather to discuss the new NHS workforce plan for England among other things, including recruitment, retention and wellbeing.
In addition, nursing shortages are the first topic we want your ideas about to help build our manifesto by nurses. Ahead of the next general election, Nursing Times is reaching out for your views on what parties should be including in their policy pledges, such as moves to boost nurse numbers and put an end to unsafe staffing.
The 2023 Nursing Times Awards took place on 25 October, our annual celebration of all that is good about the nursing profession. You can read more about our winners and finalists in our special awards supplement, which you can find at the back of this issue.