The large number of job titles associated with practice development within nursing can cause confusion as to the exact role of the person working within the development sphere. However, there is a recognized need for these development roles in the absence of clinical managerial positions and within the climate of continuing changes in the NHS. This article explores the skills required for practice development and is, in part, a reflective account of the work achieved over a 2-year period. The authors argue for clarity of purpose and continuing commitment from within the organization in order for these roles to achieve some degree of recognition, with specific reference to a community health care setting.

Agenda for Change is fundamental to the NHS modernization agenda. It will lead to all non-medical NHS personnel being paid equal salaries for equal work. Key to the success of the changes will be the accurate evaluation of each individual’s job (job profiling), so that people are properly rewarded for their work and responsibilities. This article discusses how community nurses can ensure that their job profile accurately represents their job, so that Agenda for Change will work for them.

No abstract

With the imminent roll-out of "Agenda for Change", most nurses will be busy checking their job profiles and ensuring they get the most out of the process. In this article, Yvonne Savage provides a timely overview of what all this effort will mean in the longer term.