What does the time period ‘nurse’ imply to you?
For many, it seems to be an outline of somebody who has undergone coaching, {qualifications}, and exhausting work to earn the title.
However chances are you’ll be shocked to be taught that also, proper now within the UK, the time period ‘Registered Nurse’ is protected, however the extra generally used phrase, ‘nurse’ isn’t.
It means, virtually talking, that anybody can name themselves a nurse, regardless of their {qualifications}. This can be a harmful loophole that have to be closed.
In 2025, I discover that unfathomable, particularly when different frequent phrases like ‘physician’, ‘paramedic’ and ‘midwife’ are supplied authorized safety.
It isn’t only a matter {of professional} delight — it’s about affected person security, public belief, and respect.
That’s why I received’t cease combating till we make this variation.
The ‘#ProtectNurse’ marketing campaign, led by Professor Alison Leary MBE, Paul Trevatt and lots of others, has gained widespread backing throughout the healthcare neighborhood, and I’ve been so proud to steer this combat inside the Home of Commons.
I acquired concerned again in 2021 as a result of I used to be so appalled to listen to that folks with none formal nursing {qualifications} – or those that have been struck off the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register, generally for critical misconduct – can nonetheless legally name themselves a nurse.
There have been some very regarding examples up to now.
Cassandra Grant, a ‘harmful fantasist’ who posed as a nurse on the Blenheim Palace Horse Trials, was jailed for 4 years after pretending to be a medical skilled and being concerned in injecting an injured rider on the occasion, and whereas one other individual was having a coronary heart assault.
If solely these on the NMC register can name themselves a nurse, such individuals received’t achieve entry to sufferers so simply and such incidents received’t be allowed to occur.
Then there was Kate Shemirani, a nurse who claimed 5G brought about Covid signs and unfold vaccine misinformation. She was struck off, however she was nonetheless in a position to legally name herself a nurse.
Remark nowDo you agree with Daybreak’s proposal? Have your say within the feedback belowComment Now
An investigation by Nursing Customary revealed that hundreds of these working within the NHS use the phrase ‘nurse’ of their job title regardless of not being registered. There’s additionally 93% of NHS trusts with employees utilizing the title who would not have the required {qualifications}.
This isn’t simply deceptive – for my part it’s probably harmful.
When somebody says they’re a nurse, the general public rightly assumes they’ve been skilled to the very best requirements and are regulated.
Proper now, that assumption may have critical penalties, and sufferers deserve readability.
That’s the reason, this 12 months, I’ve reintroduced my Invoice to guard the title ‘nurse’ in legislation.
It could merely imply that solely these registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council may use that title, bringing us consistent with protections in different international locations.
I’ve been clear that my Invoice wouldn’t have an effect on different roles like ‘dental nurse’ or ‘veterinary nurse’ – their titles are already clearly outlined and controlled below separate legal guidelines, so my Invoice gives a transparent provision to exempt them from this variation.
Skilled nursing associations, nursing unions, affected person security organisations, charities that help sufferers and affected person consultant organisations have all voiced their help for this safety. Importantly, the Royal School of Nursing can also be in favour..
The general public appears to agree – I’ve to say I’ve been overwhelmed by the massive help I’ve acquired.
The reality is this variation is lengthy overdue. I first tried to convey this ahead 4 years in the past, via an modification to the Well being and Care Invoice. That modification had broad help from over 240 MPs – however the then Tory Authorities blocked it.
However I haven’t given up.
Now, I consider we’ve got an incredible alternative below a Labour Authorities – which I do know actually cares concerning the security of sufferers.
And we’ve got ready-made laws to repair this concern – my Nurses (Use of Title) Invoice has been revealed and introduced to Parliament, and is awaiting Second Studying on June 20.
However we don’t have to attend – the Authorities, if it so chooses, can settle for my Invoice now and produce it into legislation.
My message to ministers is: Particulars will after all should be labored out, however it ought to settle for it in precept and work with me to convey concerning the change in laws that sufferers and professionals want.
This isn’t a party-political concern. It’s a matter of frequent sense and compassion. We have to shut the loophole, guarantee public belief, and present the nursing career the respect it deserves.
So, I’m calling on my colleagues in Parliament — on all sides — to again my Invoice. Let’s lastly shield the title ‘nurse’ and guarantee that it means precisely what the general public thinks it means: Somebody skilled, certified, regulated and actually accountable.
Now’s the time. For affected person security. For skilled integrity. And for each nurse who has earned the suitable to be known as one.
Do you will have a narrative you’d prefer to share? Get in contact by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
Share your views within the feedback beneath.