Challenging negative narratives about Social Care Nursing.

Would you call working in social care ‘career suicide’? This was a view shared with me by a senior colleague at the start of my career. I can confidently say they were wrong and I continue to enjoy a rich and varied career. Having spent much of the past 30 years of working outside the NHS I can categorically state that it has not been easy nor has it been career suicide. It can be a challenging yet rewarding career, one in which you can make a real difference to the quality of life for those in your care. Social care nurses often work without constant supervision and manage complex health and care needs demonstrating a high degree of clinical judgement and autonomy, whilst this can feel overwhelming at times, it is empowering.

The Reality of Social Care

We cannot escape the fact that the global population is ageing with many of those reaching older age living in poor health and experiencing multiple health conditions which increase the likelihood of the need for social care and support. Whilst there are aspirations to reduce years living in ill-health there are no quick fixes and hence the growing demand for social care will remain a key feature of our health and care landscape for many years to come. The sector provides vital care and support to the most vulnerable people in our communities including people living with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, poor mental health, frailty and cognitive impairment. Predictions suggest that demand will continue to outstrip capacity, yet these concerns appear to go unheard despite the growing body of evidence.

An underserved and often invisible workforce.

Nurses who work in social care are often invisible, undervalued and underserved when compared to their NHS colleagues even by fellow nurses. Indeed, early in my career I was told by a senior nurse that working with older people in social care was ‘career suicide’, ‘a place where you go at the end of your career’ for an ‘easy life’ sadly this viewpoint has not been eradicated, negative misconceptions and stereotypes about the role of social care nurses remain prevalent.

Changing the Narrative through Research

So how can we change the narrative about the value and role of social care and social care nursing to ensure that it is recognised and valued within society and the wider nursing ecosystem?

The answer- We need evidence, personal stories and rhetoric are not enough, we need facts. Whilst In recent years there has been an increase in research undertaken by academics in social care settings, there remains a lack of research activity which is informed and led by practitioners. There is a need to not only develop research for practice, (conducted by academics to inform practice), but to conduct research within or through practice, (in partnership with academics and practice), and research by practice, where ideas are initiated and research is conducted by practitioners.

This requires social care nurses to be more engaged in research, the profession can no longer be passive; we must be research active, driving the research agenda in the right direction as opposed to being the passengers of academics.

We need to take responsibility and ensure that research is ‘done with’ social care as opposed to ‘doing to’ social care so that we change the narrative, challenge flawed policies and ultimately prevent harm to those delivering and receiving social care and support.

By Dr Zena Aldridge RMHN MA QN FRSA
NIHR Senior and Clinical Practitioner Research Award (SCPRA) Awardee - University Of Leeds
NIHR Nursing and Midwifery Office-Associate Director for Social Care