Royal College of Nursing appoints first chair of adult social care nursing
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) teamed up with the University of Salford to create the position – a move that has been described as a ‘significant milestone’ for the industry.
The position, which will be based at the University of Salford, will be occupied by Dr Claire Pryor from 31st July 2024 and arguably, there is no one better qualified for the role. Dr Pryor currently works as an assistant professor of adult nursing at Northumbria University, specialising in frailty, social care nursing and non-medical prescribing, and was previously a nurse practitioner for older people within mental health settings.
Dr Claire Pryor
Commenting on the news, Dr Pryor said: ‘I am excited and passionate about the new role, and the significant impact the focus on adult social care will bring.
‘There is an absolute need to ensure our nurses working in social care settings are recognised, supported, and developed throughout their careers.’
The new RCN Foundation adult social care role has been created to take a ‘strategic lead in shaping research and education’ in adult social care nursing at local, national and international levels. The recognition created from this position could not only encourage more nurses to pursue a career in social care, but it could also give current workers a reason to stay in their roles.
Dr Pryor added: ‘We need to work toward recognition of social care nurses as a highly skilled, autonomous clinicians, and empower them to use specialist and advanced skills, leading and shaping high quality care across the sector.’
In addition, Deepa Korea, RCN Foundation director, said the appointment ‘marks a significant milestone for the nursing profession and the wider social care sector.’
‘Having a dedicated chair will not only further advance the academic and practical knowledge in adult social care nursing that it so vitally needed, but also ensure that the important work of this part of the nursing workforce is highlighted,’ Korea remarked. ‘The role will also develop further the clinical expertise and leadership needed across the sector to meet the complex needs of those accessing social care.’
Images: Dr Claire Pryor and Thomas Foster
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