A workforce survey of critical care nurses in the National Health Service

Aim To measure key aspects of the critical care nursing workforce across the National Health Service (NHS) and compare these with recommended standards where they exist. Background The provision of high-quality and safe critical care services is dependent on adequate numbers of highly skilled nurses. Understanding the issues and challenges within critical care services across the NHS is key to future planning and policy in this area. Design A stakeholder-driven consensus development approach was adopted to design a workforce survey by members of the Critical Care National Network Nurse Leads (CC3N) Forum. Methods The survey was conducted across all the critical care units in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. Data were collated to enable presentation of descriptive statistics. Results Data returns were received from 240 of the 272 units in England and Northern Ireland. Scotland and Wales data were excluded from analysis and reporting. Differences in the sample and data returns limited comparison with the previous survey in some aspects. Stability was seen in vacancy and sickness rates. Improvements were seen in safe nurse: patient ratios, supernumerary "nurse in charge," critical care outreach service cover, use of national competency framework, and agency use. Dependency on overseas nurses in some units remains high. Specialist critical care training levels in many units do not meet current required standards. Conclusion Clear improvements have been made. There is significant stability. Some challenges remain. Continued review of resource allocation is important in the coming years, as is policy and strategy to ensure recruitment, appropriate training, and support for staff well-being. Relevance to clinical practice The reader will gain insight into the critical care nursing workforce in the NHS in England and Northern Ireland. The results are useful for nurses, nurse managers, and policymakers.