Government announces support to help staff develop advanced skills to treat a wider range of conditions and patients
A new initiative aims to improve cardiology nursing across Scotland. Nurses will be able to develop advanced skills and expertise through a blend of university-level qualification and clinical experience, in a programme set out in the newly launched national specialist nursing in cardiology framework.
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The Scottish government says this new training programme will support nursing practice at advanced level in such factors as interpreting diagnostic tests and prescribing medications, leading teams and mentoring colleagues. As a result, nursing professionals and the cardiology services in which they work will be better able to meet the needs of people they care for.
The new framework has been developed in collaboration with nursing representatives from all Scottish NHS health boards and NHS Education for Scotland.
Jenni Minto MSP, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, says: ‘Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of serious ill health and death, and nurses across the country make enormous efforts to ensure the best care for patients. As a government we want to support the NHS workforce and ensure they can continue to develop new skills that benefit patients. This innovative framework will help cardiology nurses obtain advanced skills to ensure more timely diagnoses, improved management of conditions and better access to care.
‘I hope that cardiology nurses across Scotland will find this to be a useful framework and that it helps them to develop their careers and meet the increasing amount of cardiovascular demand that we are seeing across the system.’
Leeanne Macklin, Senior Cardiology Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist and National Heart Disease Co-ordinator for the Scottish government, adds: ‘The framework not only aims to enhance patient care but also offers a structured pathway for career progression in specialty cardiology nursing. By creating clear routes to advanced practice roles such as clinical nurse specialist and advanced clinical nurse specialist, the framework supports the ongoing professional development of nurses within cardiology across Scotland.
‘This initiative is also designed to improve retention and job satisfaction by providing nurses with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in their careers.’
Eileen McKenna, Associate Director for Nursing, Policy and Professional Practice at RCN Scotland, says: ‘Advanced practice roles recognise the safety critical role that nursing plays and provide an opportunity for nurses to develop and have their clinical skills and expertise recognised. The specialist nursing in cardiology framework is a welcome route for learning and career progression for existing and future cardiology nurses.’
Dr Ross McGeoch, Specialty Advisor for Cardiology to the Chief Medical Officer, says: ‘Clinical nurse specialists are integral to the delivery of timely, safe, and effective cardiology care in Scotland. The specialist nursing in cardiology framework further strengthens these roles for the benefit of both practitioners and our patients.’
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