The link between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes has been proven time and again – so why does the UK have a persistent shortage of nurses?

Is it all financial? And do, or should, nurses have a role in calling this out and finding solutions?

This episode of the Nursing Standard podcast hears from Jane Ball, professor of nursing workforce policy at University of Southampton who has spent 30 years researching safe staffing issues.

She speaks about the positive impact on patient care of having the right number of nurses who are degree educated and have a good working environment.

Professor Ball talks about how the pandemic has shown both the importance and disregard of nursing, and the danger of government and policy-makers thinking the profession doesn’t need workplace planning or to be rewarded.

She also advises nurses to report short-staffing and not to let their context – or working environment – allow them to compromise on these vital safety issues.

Speaking to Nursing Standard editor Flavia Munn as the annual International Nurses’ Day takes place on 12 May, Professor Ball says the value of nursing can be shown by nurses showing their own worth by not letting their expectations or standards be knocked.

For more episodes of the Nursing Standard podcast, visit rcni.com/podcast

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