NHS Nursing Research Paper

The National Health Service - Britain's healthcare system was established in 1948 so you'd think, after almost seven decades, the system would be solid, efficient and fair, right? Wrong. Over recent years, shocking statistics have revealed that, despite the endless hard work and dedication from the 1.3 million strong army of NHS workers, the Government is still failing nursing staff. Nurses have proven themselves to be an incredibly important part of the NHS and Britain's society as a whole. However, it is apparent from their salary and working conditions that they are not receiving the appreciation they deserve.

Nursing is a degree profession and so the wage for NHS nurses should be a fair reflection of that. Nowadays, people are still viewing nurses as saints who volunteer their time to help. However, just as with professions such as teaching, nurses must complete a minimum of a four year degree before beginning their
Too many nurses are being driven out of their profession due to bad pay and conditions as, from a poll of 10,500 NHS nurses, 38% were thinking 'very seriously' about leaving their job whilst a further 32% were 'seriously' considering a change of profession. If these possibilities turn into realities, the remaining nurses won't be capable of treating the massive flow of patients leading to neglect of those who most need the care.

Not only does this have a negative impact on the National Health Service but also the physical and mental well-being of the nurses. Claire O'Neill - a nurse, previously employed by the NHS - states that she would "deter anybody from becoming a nurse" after developing anxiety and depression as a result of the constant strain from her job. O'Neill transferred from the NHS to the private sector as she felt there was no other option and has been followed by 90,000 nurses and midwives who have left the NHS within the last 5