A new framework setting out the skills required of specialist cardiology nurses has been launched in Scotland.
The national Specialist Nursing in Cardiology Framework aims to help more nurses reach advanced practice level amid rising patient demand.
“The framework supports the ongoing professional development of nurses within cardiology across Scotland”
Leeanne Macklin
It has been developed in collaboration between the Scottish Government, nursing representatives from all NHS health boards and NHS Education for Scotland.
Launching the resource, public health minister Jenni Minto said: “This innovative framework will help cardiology nurses obtain advanced skills to ensure more timely diagnoses, improved management of conditions and better access to care.
“I hope that cardiology nurses across Scotland will find this to be a useful framework and that it helps them to develop their careers and meet the increasing amount of cardiovascular demand that we are seeing across the system.”
The framework is designed to be used by registered nurses to benchmark and advance their practice; organisations and managers to develop their cardiology services and workforces; and educators to inform training programmes.
It outlines the knowledge and skills required of cardiology nurses working at level 6 and level 7 – senior practitioner and advanced practitioner, respectively.
Leeanne Macklin, a senior cardiology advanced clinical nurse specialist and national heart disease coordinator for the Scottish Government, said the framework would support nurse career development and retention.
“Advanced practice roles recognise the safety-critical role that nursing plays”
Eileen McKenna
She said: “The framework not only aims to enhance patient care but also offers a structured pathway for career progression in specialty cardiology nursing.
“By creating clear routes to advanced practice roles such as clinical nurse specialist and advanced clinical nurse specialist, the framework supports the ongoing professional development of nurses within cardiology across Scotland.
“This initiative is also designed to improve retention and job satisfaction by providing nurses with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in their careers.”
The new resource was welcomed by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland.
Eileen McKenna, associate director for nursing, police and professional practice at RCN Scotland, said: “Advanced practice roles recognise the safety-critical role that nursing plays and provide an opportunity for nurses to develop and have their clinical skills and expertise recognised.
“The Specialist Nursing in Cardiology Framework is a welcome route for learning and career progression for existing and future cardiology nurses.”
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