Outlining and defining the role of the epilepsy specialist nurse

Abstract

The epilepsy specialist nurse (ESN) role is complex, diverse and multifaceted, with nurses working with different patient groups in various settings. In this article, recently undertaken national audit studies into ESN services have been combined with key NHS/United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting directives to outline the role. The main aim of the role is to provide high-quality effective assessment and care for patients/families/carers; to work collaboratively with professionals and other agencies; and to continually develop services/practices, professionals and non-professionals and themselves. Unfortunately the future of the ESN is being threatened; national audit data has identified that nurses are feeling undermined and devalued, having to take on greater workloads and more responsibilities, which they feel are not being recognized. In order to start to rectify this situation, ESNs need to collate the relevant data to prove and advertise their worth. Hopefully this vital resource will survive.

Qualitative insights into the role and practice of Epilepsy Specialist Nurses in England: a focus group study

“…These findings make a strong case for an understanding not just of the activities performed but how they are underpinned by the fundamental principles of nursing identified in this and other studies in the UK and beyond (Beagan & Ells 2009). Moreover, our participants claimed that this understanding is often lacking and, consistent with Higgins (2008) assertions, local policies are challenging the professional identity of ESNs, forcing some to take up non‐specialist duties that could be fulfilled by individuals on lower pay bands. Such an edict, which Lomas (2010) believes is erroneously driven by cost efficiencies, is in direct opposition to the policy discourse which has encouraged ESNs to apply their knowledge and skills to develop their specialism (Department of Health 2004).…”

“…This scrutiny has mainly been driven by Government policy, such as Agenda for Change, a single pay system in operation for NHS staff in the UK [Department of Health (DH) 1999] and The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) (DH 2004), which defines the knowledge and skills that NHS staff need to apply in their work. The resultant re‐grading and re‐appraisal of the ESN role has caused some disquietness amongst ESNs who according to Higgins (2008) feel that there is a lack of understanding about their diverse roles; and inconsistencies in role evaluation. Higgins (2008) UK national audit gives some useful evidence about the state of the ESN role; however, her conclusions are based on the responses of 34% ( n = 106) of the total population of ESNs and of these, 20 (19%) were not employed in defined epilepsy posts.…”

“…The resultant re‐grading and re‐appraisal of the ESN role has caused some disquietness amongst ESNs who according to Higgins (2008) feel that there is a lack of understanding about their diverse roles; and inconsistencies in role evaluation. Higgins (2008) UK national audit gives some useful evidence about the state of the ESN role; however, her conclusions are based on the responses of 34% ( n = 106) of the total population of ESNs and of these, 20 (19%) were not employed in defined epilepsy posts. Thus her results may not be representative of all ESNs in the UK.…”

“…On the other, the research literature demonstrates that ESNs feel devalued (Goodwin et al. 2004, Higgins 2008). The future of the ESN role in the UK is unclear and in the current austere economic climate it is imperative that the role is clarified so that limited resources can be used properly.…”

“…The literature raises issues that appear to be dichotomized; on the one hand policy documents such as the National Service Framework for Long Term Conditions (LTCs) (DH 2005a) suggest a promising future for ESNs. On the other, the research literature demonstrates that ESNs feel devalued (Goodwin et al 2004, Higgins 2008. The future of the ESN role in the UK is unclear and in the current austere economic climate it is imperative that the role is clarified so that limited resources can be used properly.…”