This document was published by the PDNSA in 2001 with a foreword by Sheila Roy and a preface by Sue Thomas.

Contents:

Our Role: Qualifications & Skills

Minimum experience is given below. However, employing authorities may decide other skills are appropriate in addition to those recommended, according to local circumstances.

PDNS (minimum B and 6 grade)

Other Nurses working In the Speciality

In July 1 999, the Government launched the first comprehensive 'whole systems' nursing strategy, which aimed formally to recognise and value the contribution of nurses and provide a strategic framework for action within the wider NHS modernisation agenda. This strategy incorporates a revised career framework as a means of providing a more satisfying and rewarding career structure which is linked to a modernised NHS pay system that proposes to replace clinical grading by introducing three broad flexible ranges for registered nurses. Career progression will be linked to responsibilities and the competencies required for the job. The new career framework for nurses introduces three broad ranges for registered nurses:

• Broad base of experience
• Proven management experience at ward level or other
• Proven teaching, counselling and management skills
• Willing to take (or has undertaken) a specialist nursing diploma or related degree
• Proven Interest/experience in PD care and up to date knowledge
• Proven Interest/experience in teaching

It is recognised that there are nurses working in PD care who have considerable experience and knowledge. However, they are not necessarily considered to be PDNS (e.g. district nurses, neurology nurses).

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