Future career pathways in nursing and midwifery. A Delphi survey of nurses and midwives in South West England

Abstract

There is growing interest, both nationally and internationally and within healthcare research, regarding future career pathways for nurses and midwives and what these pathways should represent. This paper presents the results of a research project that investigated these issues. A Delphi approach was taken to determine consensus, and consisted of three rounds: round 1 — statementgeneration, rounds 2 and 3 — rating and ranking of statements. The study aimed to discover the extent to which participants agreed about what the key features of a future career pathway should represent. Forty-three nurses and midwives representing a wide range of nurses and midwives participated. Consensus was achieved and 14 key features were identified. The paper concludes by suggesting that these statements will aid and inform stakeholders and decision-makers as to the future direction that career pathways in nursing and midwifery could take.