As nurses joining the register for the first time report having to take jobs in shops, cafes and pubs as they struggle to find jobs in the NHS, we talk to one new nurse about her experience. Although the NHS in England has more than 30,000 vacancies, many newly qualified nurses are facing unemployment and considering leaving the profession before t…

ADC 100501 (V1.0) 10/2024 The views expressed are not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should consult their physician or qualified health provider regarding their condition and appropriate medical treatment. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary.…

In this episode of the Nursing Standard podcast two experienced nurses share their experiences of the challenges and benefits of working shifts, including how irregular hours can lead to social isolation, poor diet and disrupted sleep. They emphasise the importance of good quality rest and the need for nurses to prioritise self-care. · For more epi…

Pressure ulcers are one of the most common preventable ways by which patients are harmed during their care. They can be serious and even life-threatening, causing pain and distress to people of all ages and across all care settings. Nurses have an essential role in preventing pressure ulcers, and often the first action in prevention is to complete …

When sepsis nurse Yvonne Young’s son experienced pain in his knee and groin, she told herself there must be another explanation. It couldn’t be sepsis, could it? The signs were atypical. But Yvonne, assistant director of nursing for sepsis at UL Hospitals Group in Ireland, listened to the nagging doubt in her head and took her son to the emergency …

Whatever gripes nurses may have about modern uniforms, they reflect that they at least have it better than previous generations. Nurses at trusts which take on the new national uniform in England will be wearing a smart scrub or dress in a lightweight fabric. In this Nursing Standard podcast we get an overview of the history of the nursing uniform …

‘Everybody’s going to get pain at some point in their lives. It’s something we’re all going to experience.’ And that’s why it is vital that all nurses have a firm grasp of essential pain management (EPM), according to RCN Pain and Palliative Care Forum chair Martin Galligan. In this episode of the Nursing Standard podcast, guest host Martin – who i…

The ‘glacial pace’ of fitness to practise (FtP) investigations into nursing staff breached human rights, says the review team that examined the running of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Following the publication of their damning report into the internal culture at the NMC, project manager Matt Baker from specialist consultancy Rise Associ…

Ahead of the general election on 4 July, Nursing Standard met with cancer nurse and parliamentary undersecretary at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Maria Caulfield to talk to her about what nurses can expect if the Conservatives hold on to power next month. Still working part time as a nurse, the MP for Lewes spoke to us to discuss…

Nursing and other staff cannot continue to be ‘emotionally blackmailed’ into keeping the NHS going, the Nursing Standard podcast hears. In an interview on the latest episode, shadow health and social care secretary Wes Streeting speaks about how NHS staff goodwill is now exhausted. Mr Streeting tells senior news reporter Alison Stacey that action o…

Do you have a job interview coming up and it’s making you feel increasingly anxious? If the thought of showcasing your talents to an interview panel is making your stress levels go through the roof, don’t worry, you are not alone. The key to success is preparation – prepare well and you are giving yourself the best chance to show the interviewers t…

Our podcast guest explains the benefits of the NHS pension, why it is such good value for nurses, and the implications of recent changes to the scheme. For more episodes of the Nursing Standard podcast, visit rcni.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the difference between being a nurse in Scotland and the rest of the UK? This latest episode explores the differences on pay, terms and conditions for nurses working in NHS Scotland and beyond. Our guest, RCN Scotland’s director Colin Poolman, talks to podcast host and senior reporter Alison Stacey about how negotiations between the RCN and…

Tips on defusing conflicts, responding to aggression and the importance of staying calm For more episodes of the Nursing Standard podcast, visit rcni.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The incredible work of a nurse that inspired a hit charity song and global humanitarian effort to feed starving people in Africa is remembered in our latest podcast episode. On the 40th anniversary of the formation of charity superstar group Band Aid, Nursing Standard talks to the nurse who helped prompt the cultural phenomenon led by musician Sir …

Public speaking strikes fear into the hearts of many – it’s regularly reported as one of the most common phobias – but is an increasingly important skill for many nurses. The good news is that there are many ways to become a better and more confident public speaker, even in the face of anxiety. This latest episode of the Nursing Standard podcast ex…

Building confidence in the workplace is vital for nursing staff, both for patient safety and nurses’ own career development. Being confident can help in areas such as raising concerns and overcoming imposter syndrome, as well as in job interviews and applying for opportunities, such as a secondment. But what steps can nurses take to build their con…

Nurses and other healthcare staff face constant workplace pressures, especially during the colder months when respiratory conditions are more prevalent. Staff shortages and industrial action have also impacted services. But what support is there for nursing staff and managers to navigate challenging times? This episode examines how the NMC code act…

All hospitals are soon to need a system in place that allows patients, families and carers to request an urgent second opinion of care under Martha’s rule. Some hospitals already have a process in place for raising concerns about patient care, including Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. This episode of the Nursing Standard podcast focuses on Cal…

What is a skin tear and why do they matter? This episode of the podcast examines why these wounds shouldn’t be seen as ‘just a skin tear’ - and their diagnosis and treatment. Our guest is Samantha Holloway, a reader and senior lecturer responsible for delivering the masters degree programme in wound healing and tissue repair at Cardiff University S…

One year ago nurses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland took part in historic strike action, many for the first time. Some of the biggest hospitals across the UK saw nurses walk out in their fight for better pay and working conditions, as well as concerns over unsafe staffing levels and patient safety. In this Nursing Standard podcast episod…

It is a situation all too familiar for many nurses, menopause symptoms becoming so overwhelming they make continuing to work a challenge. When Wendy Madden, nurse lead for menopause at University Hospitals Birmingham, began experiencing menopause symptoms they almost forced her to quit the job she loved. The fatigue, being unable to sleep, hot flus…

When author and poet laureate Michael Rosen contracted COVID-19 at the start of the pandemic he was put into an induced coma and told he had just a 50% chance of waking up. For 40 days the author lay ventilated and unconscious at Whittington Hospital in North London. Meanwhile his nurses working in the Intensive Care Unit kept detailed daily diarie…

Everyone deserves care that works for them at the end of their lives, and there is only one chance to get it right. But charity Marie Curie has warned that for many people from diverse communities this is often not the case. In this episode of the Nursing Standard podcast, journalist Erin Dean talks to Rekha Vijayshankar, a research and clinical nu…

Half the UK population has chronic pain, making nurses increasingly likely to encounter patients living with it. So, what skills do nurses need to employ to understand how pain impacts an individual’s life and assess what physical and mental health support they may need? This episode of the podcast explores the management of both acute and chronic …

Following the Lucy Letby case it is more important than ever to address the challenges nurses and other healthcare staff face when raising concerns. October marks Speak Up month for the NHS, a campaign run by the National Guardian’s Office (NGO. This year’s theme is ‘breaking barriers’, which focuses on removing the obstacles people feel prevent th…

What is a litigation nurse and what is their role in addressing the complaints and concerns of patients and service users? What specific nursing skills can a litigation nurse bring to the legal team to meet client needs? The latest Nursing Standard podcast explores the role of a litigation nurse and, based upon this type of work, how nurses can ref…

Severely exhausted, feeling cynical or struggling emotionally? You could be burned out by your job. Studies show that 25-50% of nurses are experiencing burnout in some work settings, which can impact on patient safety. It is also linked to increased staff absences and a large driver of nurses leaving their jobs or the profession entirely. But how c…

A rolling of the eyes, talking over you, or plain rudeness- we might all have a colleague who behaves in an uncivil way. But should you do anything about it, or just ignore it? Incivility at work can take many different guises and can leave people feeling dejected, unmotivated and unfairly treated. This episode of the Nursing Standard podcast looks…

How do you use early warning scores to optimum effect when assessing the deteriorating patient? When should you refer a person in your care to a more senior member of the team, and in what circumstances must you immediately escalate a case? The latest episode of the Nursing Standard podcast discusses these issues as we explore early warning scores.…

Irritability teetering on unexpected rage, feeling physically and mentally exhausted and down - and like the only option is to flee work? Is this the consequence of workplace pressures … or could it (or also) be the perimenopause? The perimenopause - the phase when women are experiencing menopausal symptoms but are still having periods – is the sub…

Have you considered working at one of the UK’s summer festivals? Festival season is back again and there are plenty of opportunities to use your nursing skills and enjoy festival life. If you are looking for a role but don’t know where to start the latest episode of the Nursing Standard podcast answers all of your questions. Podcast guest Vicky Len…

Nurses have been in dispute with the government over poor pay, working conditions and patient safety concerns months. In this special edition of the Nursing Standard podcast, RCN general secretary Pat Cullen talks about the ‘unfinished business’ nurses have with the government and why they deserve more than the current pay awards. She calls for the…

Are you missing out on money that you could reclaim from the tax office? Employed nurses and other members of the nursing team can claim a refund from HM Revenue and Customs on many work-related expenses. This includes for costs around washing uniforms if employers don’t offer this service, for professional fees, union subscriptions and for journal…

What do nurses need to know about tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), which has recently arrived in the UK? Spread by the bite of an infected tick, TBEV can lead to a spectrum of illness including meningitis and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and is potentially lethal. This episode hears from Sylviane Defres, a consultant in infectious dise…

What are the signs and symptoms of dementia and how can nursing staff best support people with the condition and their loved ones? By 2025, over one million people in the UK will likely have a diagnosis of dementia, making it even more likely that nurses in all settings will encounter someone with the condition and or their family. This episode of …

How do you recognise the signs of sepsis? And how should you respond when you suspect the patient in front of you is at risk? The latest episode of the podcast examines what nursing staff need to know about this life-threatening condition. Our guest, Sian Annakin, is deteriorating patient lead at the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, and a sepsis …

How can you make your money stretch a bit further, plan for retirement and feel in control of your finances? Times are tough financially for many nurses at the moment, with pay not rising as fast as the rocketing cost of living. This episode hears from money mentor for women and NHS GP Nikki Ramskill who shares information on how nurses can get to …

At the end of a shift, many nurses find it a challenge to leave the day behind. You may find yourself constantly going over events that happened at work, or wondering how a patient is faring. This episode of the Nursing Standard podcast will provide the tips and tricks you need to switch off after your shift. Our guest is RCN Nurse of the Year Ana …

Using Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms are part of many nurses’ day-to-day lives. Getting the most out of social media accounts as a nurse, while avoiding the potential pitfalls, is the topic of this episode. We explore the positives of these online tools that can bring members of the profession together. Our gu…

How does kindness – and also unkindness – affect working relationships and patient care? Kindness is fundamental to nursing practice and the quality patients most value in their experience of care. Whereas unkind behaviour can impact on a nursing professional’s ability to respond effectively and learn – and, also, affects patient outcomes. This epi…

What does it mean to be a ‘silent companion’ and how does this help to build trust at the end of a patient’s life? Find out more in this episode of the Nursing Standard podcast, which explores the challenges that nurses face when providing person-centred end of life care. Other topics addressed include effective communication, building authentic an…

In January thousands of nurses in the NHS staged a two-day strike across England over pay, as members of the RCN continue their historic walkouts. But what were the real reasons for nursing staff voting for industrial action? In the latest episode of the Nursing Standard podcast we hear from nurses on the picket lines in South Yorkshire, Derbyshire…

How do you reduce imposter syndrome and make changes at work? This episode’s guest is no stranger to change, having revolutionised sexual health care in Northern Ireland by setting up an early medical abortion service. Sexual and reproductive healthcare nurse Nicola Bailey established the Rose Clinic providing terminations up to the tenth week of p…

Christmas may be a time for giving but accepting a gift from a patient could land you in hot water. While patient’s have the best intentions of thanking nurses at Christmas, or any other time of the year, accepting a gift could be in breach of the Nursing and Midwifery Council code. The Code clearly states that nurses must refuse ‘all but the most …

Preparing for your first night shift can be a daunting experience. So many questions cross your mind. Will I be able to stay awake? What should I eat? And what should I bring with me? This episode of the Nursing Standard podcast answers all those questions and more. Podcast guests Molly Kiltie, senior mental health practitioner at Leicestershire Pa…

How are nursing students preparing for the health challenges of climate change? This episode of the Nursing Standard podcast explores how students and universities are ensuring their courses cover this vital topic. Nursing student Leonie Harrison and lecturer Alison Taylor discuss the proactive approach they are involved with to make their course a…

What is it with nurses and ghost stories? Why does every hospital seem to be ‘haunted’ by a past patient or long-dead matron? This Halloween episode of the Nursing Standard podcast explores why so many nurses have a spooky story to tell. Our podcast guest Ciaran O’Keeffe is head of the School of Human and Social Sciences and associate professor of …

What is it like to be a newly registered nurse? Making the transition from nursing student to newly registered nurse is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking. Securing a role that is the right fit for you – with the right support at the right time – is crucial if you are to thrive in your new career. But how do you go about getting your first…

The emotional distress of caring for seriously ill and dying patients can take its toll on nurses who may struggle with feelings of unresolved grief. If it is not recognised and dealt with issues can build up that can lead to burn out, compassion fatigue, inadequate care for patients and nurses leaving the profession. So, what can nurses do to prot…