Editor of Nursing Standard. The go-to resource for nursing issues and solutions. Winner of PPA Chairman's Award 2021 - 'a shining example of excellence'
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Articles by Flavia Munn
NMC errors: who is keeping you safe from the regulator’s chronic failures?
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Honesty, transparency and the ability to learn from mistakes are key tenets of the Code. So, when a nurse demonstrated all three, and turned their life around in the process, they should have been able to expect the support of their professional regulator. Nursing Standard. 41, 7, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.41.7.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Could the NHS pay and role reviews spell the end of band 5 for nurses?
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Too often nurses feel discouraged from putting in a bid to get their role re-graded (and resulting pay uplift) because they think it’s pointless. They will do all the legwork to produce the evidence, only for it to be dismissed for various reasons by employers. ‘Why bother?’, they understandably ask. Nursing Standard. 41, 6, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.41.6.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
NHS pay must be reset to reflect nursing’s true worth
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard If you are on Agenda for Change (AfC), will you see new salary scales that match your skills and experience and provide a route to progression? This is the hope for talks announced to discuss reforms to the NHS pay structure. Nursing Standard. 41, 5, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.41.5.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Chief nurse’s inspirational example of what leadership should look like
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard How do you spot a good nurse leader? They are visible, regularly walking the wards, speaking to and listening to sta and, crucially, acting on concerns. Nursing Standard. 41, 4, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.41.4.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Reviews of roles in band 5 must be merely the starting point for fair pay
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard For the first time in six years, NHS nursing staff will receive their annual pay award on time – but the wait for longer-term reform of Agenda for Change (AfC) and fair pay for all goes on. Nursing Standard. 41, 3, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.41.3.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
When nurses are empowered to lead, this is what happens
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Impressive results of nurse-led catheter trial add to evidence that empowering nurses works for patients and healthcare budgets If you want something done ask a nurse. Better still (though not as catchy), if nurses are empowered to lead change then the results for patient care will speak for themselves. Nursing Standard. 41, 2, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.41.2.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Pay rebanding victories prove proper recognition is possible
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard A group of nurses have something to celebrate – and let’s hope what they achieved will be repeated elsewhere. The more than 100 band 6 district nurses have secured millions of pounds between them in back pay after a long battle to get their employer, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, to recognise their value. Nursing Standard. 41, 1, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.41.1.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
How has dangerous understaffing been allowed to become ‘normal’?
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard The setting is a cardiology unit at one acute general hospital, but what is happening there – and getting nurses talking – could apply anywhere. Nursing Standard. 40, 12, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.40.12.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Why should you be expected to pay to fix your regulator?
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is proposing to increase its registration fee for reasons its chief executive has summarised as simple economics. Nursing Standard. 40, 11, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.40.11.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Parking fines on duty: a national permit scheme is the answer
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Common sense has prevailed in one corner of the country, and let’s hope this example won’t be the last. A council has introduced a parking permit scheme that will prevent nursing and other healthcare workers from receiving costly parking fines when visiting patients at home. Nursing Standard. 40, 10, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.40.10.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Why cutting senior NHS nurse posts is a false economy fraught with risk
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Feared loss of 17 senior nurse roles at one NHS trust brings into sharp focus the impact of health service budget cuts. The organisation’s proposed restructure, which affects band 8 posts, will delete all head of nursing posts, a move billed as ‘bring the shop floor closer to the board’. Nursing Standard. 40, 9, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.40.9.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Is a new era and better pay in sight for advanced practice?
Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Advanced practice principles have been set out – 20 years after being first mooted. Let’s hope they bring proper recognition for this part of the profession Finally, some good news… principles for advanced nursing practice have been laid out for the first time by the profession’s regulator. Nursing Standard. 40, 8, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.40.8.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
We are here to support you
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard News that thousands of nurses are leaving the profession early because of poor working conditions has been met with more of a weary sigh than surprise in the profession. Nursing Standard. 40, 7, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.40.7.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Tributes paid to Portsmouth-based nurse killed in plane crash
The RCN president is among those paying tribute to Portsmouth-based Indian nurse Renjitha Gopakumaran Nair, who was killed in the Ahmedabad plane crash Tributes have been paid to an Indian nurse working in the UK who was killed in the Ahmedabad plane crash. Renjitha Gopakumaran Nair was on the Air India flight to London Gatwick airport on Thursday 12 June that went down just after take-off, killing 241 people onboard and dozens more on the ground.
There is a clear injustice in AfC pay that ministers must now address
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Is it fair to compare the pay award of NHS nursing staff with those of medical colleagues, teachers or, indeed, supermarket staff? The 3.6% pay award for nursing and other healthcare staff on Agenda for Change contracts in England and Wales was labelled grotesque by the RCN. Nursing Standard. 40, 6, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.40.6.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
NHS nurse pay inequality: this clear injustice must end
Nursing staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland need only look to pay awards in Scotland to see how they continue to be short-changed in their annual pay rise Is it fair to compare the pay award of NHS nursing staff with those of medical colleagues, teachers or, indeed, supermarket staff?
How NHS job freezes and bank pay cuts are hitting nurses
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Almost 7.5 million people are waiting for NHS treatment in England, where the service has just shy of 27,500 nursing vacancies. There are thousands of vacancies in the other UK nations too; in Northern Ireland, vacancies for nursing posts are the highest of all staff groups. At 1,185, they represent 21% of total vacancies. Nursing Standard. 40, 5, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.40.5.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Datix denial: when you report patient safety incidents, is anyone listening?
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Nursing is a safety-critical profession with a learning culture – that’s what you always hear. But are nurses truly enabled to practise these principles? Or are they merely espoused by NHS managers, leaders and politicians when it suits their narrative or agenda? Nursing Standard. 40, 4, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.40.4.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
What’s in the name ‘nurse’? When it comes to professional respect, everything actually
Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard What’s the difference between a ‘nurse’ and a ‘registered nurse’? The answer itself is confusing – it could be nothing, or everything. If someone introduces themselves as a ‘nurse’ to a patient or service user, they may well be a registered nurse (RN) and have simply dropped the ‘registered’ for ease and job-title reasons. Nursing Standard. 40, 3, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.40.3.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Why protecting ‘nurse’ title in law is a fight worth having
‘Nurse’ title can be, and often is, used in job designations where the individual is not a registered nurse. But happily, that could soon become illegal What’s the difference between a ‘nurse’ and a ‘registered nurse’? The answer itself is confusing – it could be nothing, or everything. If someone introduces themselves as a ‘nurse’ to a patient or service user, they may well be a registered nurse (RN) and simply drop the ‘registered’ for ease and job-title reasons.
Nurses paying a heavy personal price for raising concerns
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Nurses leave the profession for many reasons, and being overworked, underpaid and undervalued are notable among them. Nursing Standard. 40, 2, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.40.2.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
NMC referral threats: nurses pay heavy price for speaking up
Nurses who speak out about care concerns too often find managers use the threat of referral to the Nursing and Midwifery Council against them Nurses leave the profession for many reasons, and being overworked, underpaid and undervalued are notable among them. But surely one of the saddest stories is that of a nurse explaining his move to retrain as a teacher after being victimised for raising safeguarding concerns. ‘Teaching is a normal job.
Public understands nurses’ value, but pay needs to catch up
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Our annual investigation into the gifts given to nursing and other NHS staff always affirms the affection and appreciation felt by the public for this profession. If only others would replicate such gestures when it comes to your pay. Nursing Standard. 40, 1, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.40.1.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Public understands nurses’ value, but pay needs to catch up
Our investigation into gifts given to NHS nursing staff shows how the public values the profession. Why do government pay awards continue to ignore this reality? Our annual investigation into the gifts given to nursing and other NHS staff always affirms the affection and appreciation felt for this profession. If only others would replicate such gestures when it comes to pay.
Could unions’ boycott of NHS pay review body get you a better deal?
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard After years of inadequate pay awards that have failed to keep pace with the cost of living – while taking far too long to reach nurses’ pockets – three health unions now say enough is enough. Nursing Standard. 39, 12, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.39.12.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
NHS pay: could boycott of review body be good for nurse pay?
Nurses’ unions have called on health and social care secretary Wes Streeting to enter direct pay talks with them because NHS Pay Review Body process is broken After years of inadequate pay awards that have failed to keep pace with the cost of living – while taking far too long to reach nurses’ pockets – three health unions now say enough is enough.
Nurse pay around the world: how does yours compare?
Infographic Previous Next Flavia Munn @NS_editor Editor Sujata Aurora Designer We look at pay-setting for the four UK nations and in other countries with comparable healthcare systems – what pay rises have colleagues in other nations secured for 2024-25 and beyond? Pay is an important issue for the profession, not least because it is widely recognised that nursing staff are not paid what they deserve.
Let us help you stay one step ahead even when you’re pressed for time
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard You may notice this month’s Nursing Standard looks a little different. We’ve changed our design to make it easier for you to navigate, whether you want expert analysis of the latest issues by our team of writers, or double-blind peer-reviewed content on clinical and professional topics by nurse authors in our ‘evidence & practice’ section. Nursing Standard. 39, 11, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.39.11.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Nurse pay around the world: how does yours compare?
analysis Previous Next Flavia Munn @NS_editor Editor Sujata Aurora Designer We look at pay-setting for the four UK nations and in other countries with comparable healthcare systems – what pay rises have colleagues in other nations secured for 2024-25 and beyond? Pay is an important issue for the profession, not least because it is widely recognised that nursing staff are not paid what they deserve.
Night shift strategies to help you cope - and sleep better
analysis Previous Next Flavia Munn @NS_editor Editor Sujata Aurora Designer Shift work is a part of the job for many nursing staff, but it disrupts the body clock and sleep cycles, which can adversely affect health. With a little planning, you can implement lifestyle strategies to help lessen the impact of night shifts – find out more What’s happening in nursing across the globe Nursing Standard. 39, 11, 16-17. doi: 10.7748/ns.39.11.16.s6 Want to read more? Already have access?
Why we must protect the nurse title
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard When is a ‘nurse’ a registered nurse, or a registered medical practitioner a ‘doctor’? Nursing Standard. 39, 10, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.39.10.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Misleading job titles: 3 reasons we must protect the word ‘nurse’
‘Nurse’ title is widely misused in the NHS, so underplaying the importance of nurses and the skills and education they require to register and practise When is a ‘nurse’ a registered nurse, or a registered medical practitioner a ‘doctor’? The lines are becoming increasingly blurred by a proliferation of job titles for healthcare professionals. It is difficult enough for those working in the NHS to keep up, let alone the public.
NHS pensions: why opting out is like taking a voluntary pay cut
Would you take a voluntary pay cut? With ongoing cost of living pressures, many nurses may consider opting out of their NHS Pension Scheme as a way to save money – but doing so brings significant financial consequences. A pensions expert breaks down what it means for your take-home pay and pension entitlement in retirement – and why it’s not a sound financial move.
Night shifts - strategies to help you sleep better
Many nursing staff work in shifts, including night shifts. Shift work can disrupt the body clock and lead to poor sleep cycles, which can adversely affect health. Health problems associated with shift work include coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer and weight gain. There are lifestyle strategies to help cope with night shifts including sleep routines, staying hydrated and being active during a shift.
Leadership: how to shine as a nurse leader
Explore what makes a successful leader, work out which leadership style is right for you, and learn where to access training to meet your goals. Also included is what different types of leader might say to their team, and how this article could support your revalidation requirements
Is 5.5% a step towards fair pay?
Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Is this year’s 5.5% Agenda for Change pay rise enough for nursing staff? You may very reasonably say not – but whatever you think, nursing unions want to hear from you and have opened consultations. Nursing Standard. 39, 9, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.39.9.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Nursing associates: what is their role and scope of practice?
Nursing associates have been a valued part of the nursing workforce in England’s NHS since the first cohort joined the NMC five years ago. The nursing associate role was created, said its advocates, to bridge the gap between nurses and healthcare support workers, who are unregistered. There are concerns nursing associates may be used to fill gaps where there are nurse vacancies. Read about the scope of the role and how to discover more about nursing associates career progression.
NHS pay offer: is 5.5% the first step to a fair deal for nurses?
Whether it’s a step forward or not nearly enough after years of pay stagnation, have your say Is this year’s 5.5% Agenda for Change pay rise enough for nursing staff? You may very reasonably say not – but whatever you think, nursing unions want to hear from you and have opened consultations.
NMC’s toxic culture is failing you
Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Even those with some knowledge or experience of the toxic culture at the Nursing and Midwifery Council were shocked by the extent of the failings at the regulator, laid bare in a damning report. Nursing Standard. 39, 8, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.39.8.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
NMC’s toxic culture has short-changed nurses and the public
Nurse regulator’s reputation has taken a bruising after an independent review found the organisation has been failing the profession and public – so what happens now? Even those with some knowledge or experience of the toxic culture at the Nursing and Midwifery Council were shocked by the extent of the failings at the regulator, laid bare in a damning report.
Will pay get fairer, post-election?
Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard The first 100 days of any government are seen by politicians and voters as crucial to proving progress. Nursing Standard. 39, 7, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.39.7.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Will nurses get a fair pay deal from the next government?
NHS pay award for 2024/25 is running late, so whichever party wins the election needs to make resolving this issue for nurses one of their first priorities The first 100 days of any government are seen by politicians and voters as crucial to proving progress. If the polls are correct, Labour seems likely to win the UK general election on 4 July. The party has pledged to introduce legislation on the economy during the first three months if it forms a government.
Why this general election matters
Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard So, the general election has finally been called and we are now in a period of electioneering (or should that be ear-bashing?), in which we will hear about nothing else until at least mid-July. Nursing Standard. 39, 6, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.39.6.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Why this general election matters to every nurse in the UK
Nurses in the NHS and social care know the impact politicians’ promises (and whether they keep them) have on lives and on the health of the nation So, the general election has finally been called and we’re now in a period of electioneering (or should that be ear-bashing) in which we’ll hear about nothing else until at least mid-July.
Streamline your revalidation process
Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard What would make your professional life a little bit easier? We’re going to have to exclude better pay and suitably skilled and sta ed workplaces from this particular wishlist, but how about something that would make those mandatory tasks more straightforward, or even enjoyable? Nursing Standard. 39, 5, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.39.5.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Making revalidation easier: the new-look RCNi Learning for nurses
With bitesize modules, enhanced search tools and a learning dashboard to track progress, RCNi Learning has everything you need to meet your CPD requirements What would make your professional life a little bit easier? We’re going to have to exclude better pay and suitably skilled and staffed workplaces from this particular wishlist, but how about something that would make those mandatory tasks more straightforward and even enjoyable?
Task that needs support to get right
Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Misconduct in record-keeping is among the most common allegations proved in Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) fitness to practise (FtP) processes. Nursing Standard. 39, 4, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.39.4.5.s1 Want to read more? Already have access?
Record-keeping: why nurses need all the support they can get
Writing up notes is a fundamental nursing task, and getting it wrong can become a fitness to practise matter. But we have resources to help you get the job done Misconduct in record-keeping is among the most common allegations proved in Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) fitness to practise processes. It was the third most common category upheld at adjudication in 2022-23 after patient care and, prescribing and medicines management, according to the regulator’s annual TfP report.
When ‘banter’ is no laughing matter
Editorial Next Flavia Munn Editor, Nursing Standard Ayone who’s ever been bullied – and that will include many nurses – will have felt the experience deeply, as a highly personal attack. But what is bullying, which affects one in five healthcare staff each year, according to the annual NHS staff survey? Nursing Standard. 39, 3, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ns.39.3.5.s1 Want to read more? Already subscribed?
Bullying in nursing: when ‘banter’ is no laughing matter
If behaviour intimidates, belittles or offends it should not be happening – and should not be tolerated by healthcare managers and employers Anyone who’s ever been bullied – and that will include many nurses – will have felt the experience deeply, as a highly personal attack. But what is bullying, which affects one in five healthcare staff each year, according to the annual NHS staff survey?
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