Keeping an open mind and embracing change

On a day with sunshine, I am looking out of the office window at the first signs of spring. The promise of new life and new hopes abound and plans are well under way for the next ASCN UK conference in Cardiff in September. ASCN UK activities are always moving forwards as we seek to further promote the valuable role of the stoma care nurse and the difference it makes to patients' lives. Nurse education is key to this process and the recent development of the band 6 and 7 competencies will help nurses to reflect on their activities and forge a clearer way ahead in order to future-proof their services.

Work is currently underway to look at competencies for band 2 and 4 staff, which may prove particularly useful in light of the introduction of the nursing associate role, to strengthen and reinforce the nursing profession. This addition to the Nursing and Midwifery Council register offers teams an opportunity to add a valuable resource to clinical arenas. It could also be argued that the a band 4 nursing associate may be viewed as a cheaper alternative to the stoma care workforce in the current economic climate; negotiations are the key to the dilemma—what works for one service may not for another. Let us keep an open mind and explore all options for bolstering the workforce as well as embracing change. Brexit has yet to happen; any potential loss of European nurses, as well as the decrease in individuals entering nurse education since the withdrawal of NHS bursaries, will need to be managed. A proactive stance and a willingness to consider alternative sources for a workforce will be essential in order to maintain and raise standards for stoma care.