The NHS has launched its annual nationwide drive to recruit more nurses, with tens of thousands of vacancies across England.
The new campaign adverts will run across on demand services, radio, social media and in cinemas, with two films featuring the powerful stories of patients during their time in hospital and recovery aided by NHS nurses. The renewed drive comes as a new survey reveals eight in 10 people say nurses have made a positive impact in their life.
To read more about this subject, visit:
- Increase in international nurse recruitment 'unsustainable' says RCN boss
- Record number of nurses leaving the NHS
- RCN announces new industrial action strike ballot dates
‘Nursing is a life-changing profession where no two days are ever the same, and I would encourage anyone with a passion for making a difference to people’s lives to consider a career as a nurse,’ said Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England.
‘From life-saving tests and checks and delivering millions of Covid and flu vaccinations, to getting people back on their feet as the NHS cuts 18 month waits and cares for the thousands of seriously ill patients in hospitals and across our communities, nurses play a vital role.’
Alongside increased investment for degrees and placements, NHS recruitment campaigns have prompted a surge in applicants to healthcare degrees in recent years, with more undergraduate nurses than before the pandemic and data showing that nursing applications have increased by more than a quarter, from 40,770 to 52,150, since 2019.
‘I am so proud to be a nurse in the NHS and so proud of every single colleague who has risen to the challenges facing the health service in recent years to continue to deliver the very best care to patients and their families. It truly is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do,’ added Ms May.
‘From mental health to A&E, community and children’s services – there are countless roles, specialisms and opportunities across the nursing profession which all make an invaluable contribution to patients and the NHS and social care every day, so if you are considering beginning a career in nursing, I know we will have the right role waiting for you.’