The importance of nurse education cannot be underestimated in the current NHS climate. The declining numbers of senior, experienced nurses in the NHS leaves a deficit in the availability of role models for nurses coming into the profession. In particular, clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) represent a group of highly experienced and focused senior nurses who traditionally have gained valuable experience over a period of many years. A recent Royal College of Nursing (RCN) review (2023) shows that nursing vacancy rates since 2017 have remained stubbornly high. According to the latest data, there are more than 40 000 nurse vacancies in the NHS in England alone. The challenge to replace this loss of expertise requires a definitive plan to future proof these posts and capture the very essence of that expertise for the next generation of specialist nurses.
The process of collating and editing chapters to produce a stoma care book has been a first for the Association of Stoma Care Nurses (ASCN) UK (White and Perrin, 2023). It proved to be a timely and immensely satisfying process, with contributions from experienced stoma care nurses (SCNs), other health professionals, including dietitians, and user groups. Each author was able to channel their knowledge and energy into an area of stoma care expertise, providing a unique and exclusive view of all aspects of stoma care, including specific stoma care management, skin problems, sexuality and resources for support for ostomates. We felt it was important to set the scene in the initial chapter, which discusses the role of the SCN and how, historically, this has developed, as well as an insight into the development of advanced nurse roles and how this corresponds with the national RCN agenda for nursing. CNS roles span more than just a clinical remit. Therefore, chapters also include reference to NHS national agendas, including the economic impact of stoma care prescribing and hopefully gives nurses an overview of the issues surrounding stoma care in the UK. ASCN UK guidelines (2019) and standards (2021) underpin many of the chapters and allow the reader the opportunity to seek more in-depth academic evidence to inform clinical practice. The information detailed in each chapter was peer reviewed at length and is an up-to-date, evidence-based book available to nurses worldwide.
Education and maintaining skills and knowledge are vital for any nurse. A key aim of ASCN UK is to drive the development and dissemination of evidence-based, best practice stoma care by providing educational and research opportunities to advance the specialist knowledge required to deliver expert care to individuals living with a stoma.
At this year's ASCN UK 2023 Annual Conference in Brighton on 8 to 10 October, entitled ‘Making waves and influencing practice,’ members can share expert clinical practice (both nationally and internationally), gain support and seek advice from each other. We will have the opportunity to listen to Dr Gabrielle Thorpe as she explores how to use quality improvement to enhance stoma care services and practice as well as introducing the State of the Nation in Stoma Care project, which will undoubtedly be influential within our stoma care specialty in ensuing months.
We are often faced with having challenging conversations with our patients about a variety of subjects, whether this is a change in body image, difficulty coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis or being fearful of future relationships. Often as SCNs we can sometimes question our ability to deal with such situations. Candice Walton, an experienced clinical psychologist, will guide us through having those difficult conversations when someone is faced with life-changing surgery.
We look forward to seeing you all in Brighton where, with our industry partners, we can ‘make waves and influence practice’, moving forward into a new era in the NHS.