Should aspiring consultant nurses follow a medical training programme?

Abstract 

Aim

To investigate the level of educational preparation current consultant nurses felt was required to prepare aspiring consultant nurses for the role.

Background

The radical introduction of the consultant nurse role was thought to be groundbreaking. This new role was to provide better outcomes for patients by improving the service and quality of care delivered to patients. With such great expectations of these professionals there was little guidance available as to the appropriate preparation for such a new and innovative role.

Method

A national survey was undertaken of the Department of Health Consultant Nurse Emergency Care group (n=18).

Results

Key themes emerged around the development of a medical model of educational preparation for this role, as well as the development of a national programme of preparation. The majority favoured the current medical model and certainly supported the concepts of interprofessional programmes of study in universities.

Conclusions

Further work is required in developing a nationally recognised programme of preparation for the role.

Keywords: Consultant nurses, Educational development, Succession planning, Emergency care