An exploration of the role of global Government Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officers in creating the condition for the delivery of contemporary systemic person-centred models of nursing and midwifery practice.

Whilst the Government Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer (GCNMO) role has been in place for over a century, the roles of these national nurse leaders have evolved and become a focal point for global nursing and midwifery development. In the face of global cost-driven health reform, climate change, workforce challenges, an increase in health inequalities and significant issues of poor care, the positioning of GCNMO is even more important than ever to develop contemporary nursing and midwifery practice. GCNMOs have a clear role in influencing health policy, but also in setting direction for the professional practice and delivery of healthcare in their countries (WHO 2015).  Despite the important actual and potential roles of GCNMOs, very little work has been done to systematically study the key issues that they face, the skill sets needed to influence and develop nursing and midwifery practice to provide better outcomes from care.

In the current climate, post COVID19, nurses and midwives have suffered burnout, moral distress and emotional stress. The role of the GCNMO is therefore essential to re-establish and modernise the context of high-fidelity person-centred nursing and midwifery practice. Due to these multiple pressures, task orientated care has become the default mode of practice for many nurses and midwives. This has contributed to an emerging identity crisis in nursing and midwifery, which is compounded by recruitment and retention difficulties, experienced worldwide.

The aim of this project is to explore the role of GCNMO in creating the condition for the delivery of contemporary systemic person-centred models of nursing and midwifery at levels, from policy to practice. This study will employ a mixed methods approach using both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The theoretical underpinnings for this study will be the Person-centred Practice Framework (McCance & McCormack 2021).

Please note that a copy of this project summary should be uploaded as ‘research proposal’ as part of your application.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Masters at 65%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

The University offers the following levels of support:

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

References

McCance T & McCormack B (2021) The Person-centred Practice Framework. In McCormack B, McCance T, Bulley C, Brown D, McMillan A & Martin S (Editors) (2021) Fundamentals of Person-Centred Healthcare Practice, 23-32. Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell

Salmon ME and Rambo K. (2002) Government Chief Nursing Officers: A study of the key issues they face, and the knowledge and skills required by their roles. International Council of Nurses. International Nursing Review; 49(30):136–143.

WHO (2015) Roles and responsibilities of government chief nursing and midwifery officers: a capacity building manual. World Health Organisation. Available at 15178_GCNMOs Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Framework for Web.pdf (who.int)