November 2024

The nursing workforce is affected by key supporting factors that include education and training, leadership, pay and terms and conditions, funding and regulation. In this special issue, we are exploring how these factors can both impede and boost the nursing workforce. 

In the clinical practice section, we take a positive look at how the workforce can be supported by good leadership and training to deliver great initiatives. Also, in our main feature, we explore how more investment in the specialist nursing workforce could potentially revolutionise care for patients with either myalgic encephalomyelitis or long Covid. 

However, we cannot ignore the ongoing workforce crisis. This month we report on how a funding crisis has led hospices to make nurses redundant despite patient demand for their services rising. Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview, Royal College of Nursing chief executive Nicola Ranger reveals her concerns about the workforce, including the need for better pay to support it. 

• Catch up on all the winners and finalists at the 2024 Nursing Times Awards in our special supplement