New Film Inspires District Nursing Careers

A new film aimed at encouraging more people to consider a career in community nursing has been launched to an overwhelming response by health professionals.

The film, Nursing in the Community, was commissioned by Health Education England (HEE) and made by The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) and creative agency Mother. It highlights the wide range of care that nurses provide to people in communities across the country ranging from end of life care, homeless healthcare to running cardiac rehabilitation classes. Since its launch on 14th January, the film has been viewed over 20,000 times.

Mark Radford, Chief Nurse, Health Education England said:

‘I am delighted we are able to launch this fantastic new film, that puts the spotlight on the role our community nurses play in supporting people. Community Nursing is a challenging, interesting and rewarding career option that can sometimes get overlooked as a great career after qualify as a nurse. Health Education England is committed to doing all it can to raise the profile of the variety of roles and help boost numbers in community settings so this film is a great reminder of what the roles offer not just to patients but their families too.’

Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive of the QNI said:

‘I am delighted that have been able to shine a light on the incredible work of community nurses today. So often we hear that the work of the community nurse is not well understood. I invite you to watch this new film and be inspired by the outstanding, compassionate care you see being delivered in the community today. There are some very powerful scenes in the film and I am very grateful to all of the nurses and patients who took part and shared their experience so generously.’

Ruth May, CNO for England said:

Community nurses are a vital part of the team and I would encourage anyone wanting to experience a varied and fulfilling career to join this exciting profession. As we enter the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, I’m reminded time and time again that becoming a nurse was undoubtedly the greatest decision I ever made, and with one of the highest degree employability rates, now is the perfect time to join the NHS as a community nurse.

Liz Alderton, a Queen’s Nurse who features in the film, said:

‘We need attract more people into these exciting roles and I am absolutely passionate about the care that our teams deliver to patients in the community. It is a privilege to be able to support people to manage their own health at home. We need more people to look at community nursing and see what it offers, both for patient care and also for professional development.’

The film was shot on location in London, Leeds and Dorset in Summer 2019 and follows District Nurses and other community specialists in their working day, visiting patients in their own homes and communities to deliver a diverse range of care. The film also shows a cardiac rehabilitation class and a homeless health specialist in action.

View the full film on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcGKJSFWPHs

To view the short edit (approx one and half minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOx_AW2UD8k

These links can be embedded on third party websites, e.g. universities.

For more information on a career in Community Nursing visit healthcareers.nhs.uk

Ends

Notes to Editors:

Health Education England

HEE was established on 28 June 2012, working as a shadow Special Health Authority from 1 October 2012. It took on its full operational responsibilities from 1 April 2013. For more information on HEE visit www.hee.nhs.uk .

Year of the Nurse and the Midwife 2020

Nurses and midwives play a vital role in providing health services. These are the people who devote their lives to caring for mothers and children; giving lifesaving immunisations and health advice; looking after older people and meeting everyday essential health needs. They are often the first and only point of care in their communities. The world needs 9 million more nurses and midwives if it is to achieve universal health coverage by 2030.