Enrolled nurse conversion: a review of the literature

Aim The aim of this literature review was to examine the policies and professional literature from the last 50 years about the introduction, the role and subsequent plight of the enrolled nurse (also known as second level nurses), and the need to convert to the first level of the UKCC nursing register. Background Nurse shortages within the NHS have been cyclical since its inception in 1948. The policy decision to cease the training of enrolled nurses within the frame of modernizing the education and training of the nursing workforce had two distinct implications for enrolled nurses. Firstly, they could choose to stay as enrolled nurses or convert to first level nursing. Nevertheless, enrolled nurses have cited the lack of funded conversion course places, and managerial support for non‐conversion. Methods A critical review of the national policies and professional literature concerned with the evaluation of enrolled nurses’ contribution to the NHS. Findings It was argued that national policy needs to be supported on the ground, whereby enrolled nurses are proactively supported to come forward for conversion and/or meaningful roles are created and sustained where enrolled nurses continue to make a valuable contribution to the NHS agenda. Finally, the paper challenges all NHS organizations to consider the profile and value of enrolled nurses and become proactive in their recruitment and retention of this nursing group.