South West rated the best place to be an NHS nurse

New research to mark International Nurses Day on 12 May has found that the South West is the best part of England in which to be an NHS nurse.

The South West comes out top of the seven English regions, in an analysis based on factors from vacancy and sickness rates to property prices.

The region did particularly well for staff morale and the feeling among nurses that they are recognised and rewarded, as captured by the annual NHS staff survey.

The North East and Yorkshire comes second overall, with London at the bottom of the table.

Work was carried out for Health Service Discounts, which provides offers to staff, in order to 'celebrate where nurses are thriving most'.

The South West’s Regional Chief Nurse, Sue Doheny, said: “It’s great to have recognition of the South West as the best region of England to be a nurse.

"I’m sure everyone could argue about the stats and their relative importance, but when it comes to the critical areas of morale and professional recognition, we’re right up there.

“And there isn’t even a mention of quality of life and the amazing landscape that form the backdrop to nursing here, and which we know are such a big draw for so many staff.

“What better on International Nurses Day than to recognise the benefits of being a nurse right here, in the South West?”

One nurse who is glad she joined the NHS in the South West is Hannah Welbourne.

Hannah relocated to the South West a decade ago, starting on the wards of North Bristol NHS Trust as a sister in orthopaedics where she worked for six years, later taking on the post of Practice Development Nurse (PDN).

As a PDN she implemented clinical training and education sessions for staff to increase clinical skills and patient care quality, increasing job satisfaction and retention for her peers.

Additionally, Hannah developed and teaches on a national masters module for orthopaedic staff across the UK, this program of work led to a national award nomination for ‘Nurse of the Year’ in 2023.

Hannah has continued her passion to support nurse development in her current role as Clinical Placement Lead at NBT; this vital role supports the development of the future of nursing in the South West.

At any one time, as part of their nurse training, hundreds of students from leading universities are developing their pre-registration nursing skills at NBT.

As Clinical Placement Lead Hannah meets the needs of students, wards, patients and universities by ensuring the pre-registration programme is providing an excellent learning environment and the programme is creating highly- skilled, competent and motivated nurses who she hopes will join her at NBT.

Hannah said: “I chose nursing after a stint working in a care home where I was inspired by the care I saw given by those who worked there to the residents.

“As a nurse you have the chance to make a difference to tens of thousands of lives. You’re not only helping the patients get back to their baseline, or as close to their baseline, but you are also their advocate, supporting them and their families through challenging times. It is 100 percent a privilege to be a nurse.”