An exploration of the psychosocial perspectives on educational/developmental opportunities for enrolled nurses: the forgotten species?

The provision of further education opportunities is generally known to be limited for enrolled nurses. With the phasing out of the enrolled nurse qualification, it appears that many of them have to compete for limited places on conversion courses. Such a situation which has been placed on them appears to create problems in their lives. This study was undertaken with a randomized sample of 30 enrolled nurses to find out what the psychosocial problems may be for them who have not yet been able to convert to registered nurse status. The findings reveal a sense of betrayal, frustration, anger and helplessness at being coerced into getting onto conversion courses. That is compounded by the fact that places on such courses are extremely limited. Superimposed on those, fears were also expressed for their jobs. That was particularly so in the case of nurses from the area of learning disabilities. Although there are suggestions that they need to get onto conversion courses, there is a sense of disillusionment as places on the courses are extremely limited. Whilst the intention to convert may be present, many feel prevented from doing so because of their family commitments. In many instances, those commitments were non-existent when they first embarked on their nurse education/training. At the very least, the findings suggest a moral responsibility on the part of the relevant authorities to undertake a coordinated effort to help this group of nurses. After all it may be suggested that their predicament is not of their own making.