Every nurse and midwife in training will be guaranteed
a year's employment on qualification within NHSScotland
from autumn 2002, if they wish. The aim is to offer a commitment
to a life of employment for every nurse and midwife in Scotland,
based on their skills and contribution. The effectiveness
of the programme will be evaluated.
The Facing the Future Group will oversee the implementation
and evaluation of pilot studies into the effectiveness of
Return to Practice initiatives created as part of the Scottish
Executive's £1.5 million package.
Eighteen more consultant nurses will be created in Scotland
by NHS Boards.
Nurse cadet schemes based on innovative clinical placements
and supervision arrangements will be introduced in two pilot
areas, in partnership with further and higher education
institutions or private sector education providers. The
schemes will be supported by pump-priming investment from
the Scottish Executive.
The working group on career pathways identified in Caring
for Scotland will be set up and will bring forward its report,
recommendations and guidance to next year. This will shape
a national drive to promote careers in nursing and midwifery
'from school to retirement', to be launched in 2002.
Directors of Nursing across all NHS organisations will
take the lead in enhancing the image of nursing and midwifery
in their communities and NHS Board areas, in conjunction
with local recruitment campaigns. Progress will be presented
in the annual reports of NHS Boards.
The Scottish Executive will fund a recruitment campaign
this winter to help reach the care workforce at regional
and national level.
The National Workforce Centre will develop a national
programme promoting health professional careers in 2002.
