Letter: Are DSNs qualified to be consultant nurses?

In response to Maggie Watkinson’s editorial on consultant nurses (Vol 3 No 4: 100–101), I have mixed feelings as to whether the consultant nurse role is one that DSNs will achieve. One issue is that trusts can decide individually whether to create these posts and I also understand there is to be no new funding for these posts, which may prevent trusts from paying the proposed salaries. Perhaps, more importantly, where are the DSNs who could fulfil the criteria?

The recent education survey (Vol 2 No 4: 101–104) showed that there was uncertainty among DSNs as to the need for a first degree, let alone a masters or PhD. This, and additional anecdotal evidence, repeatedly tells me that many do not wish to undertake this level of study, not least because of the time and money involved. Whether this reasoning is as it should be, is a separate argument, but the question remains that, should trusts choose to spend their money on such posts, will DSNs be appropriately qualified to apply? I am quite sure that some will be shouting ‘I am!’, but this does not bode well for national equity of service provision, nor solve the problem of training for diabetes nursing.

Until we have a proper educational preparation which is recognised by us all, the DSN may not be seen as a candidate for a consultant nurse post. While we wait vigilantly to see how the role emerges, I think that the forthcoming National Service Framework (NSF) offers a much greater opportunity to make clear both the contribution of nurses to diabetes care, and their needs. I am pleased to say the RCN Diabetes Nursing Forum is already involved in the NSF process and is working to ensure these messages are heard, loud and clear.