Risk to patient safety due to rise in 'non-nurses' being recruited for registered nursing roles

The Royal College of Nursing has warned there has been a rise in unqualified people being recruited for registered nursing roles, posing a significant risk to patient care and safety. 

Owing to staff shortages, employers have opted to encourage candidates without a registered nursing qualification to apply for nurse vacancies.  

It has been found that registered nursing positions have been opened up to allied health professionals as well as a matron role being open to those without the appropriate qualifications and experience. It has been warned that this continued practice with raise the risks to patient safety and create unnecessary vacancies elsewhere. 

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Source: Nursing Times, 9 June 2021