The perceived benefits of the enrolled nurse conversion course on professional and academic advancement

A study by Seccombe et al. (1997) for the United Kingdom Central Council (UKCC) found that seven in ten nurses who responded to their study perceived that there was no future for enrolled nurses (ENs). Conversion to first level registration is seen as a means by which ENs can progress in their career and there are an estimated 36 000 nurses who may still seek to convert. There is little evidence in the literature to indicate the value of conversion courses for ENs, yet Health Minister Alan Milburn plans to increase the number of places on conversion courses including funding 2700 places (Watson 1998). Evidence of the value of conversion would be helpful to individuals, teachers and managers rather than relying on anecdotal evidence of progress on which to judge its success or otherwise. The aims of conversion courses include the development of nursing knowledge, clinical skills and attitudes. In this study, a questionnaire is used to determine the perceived benefits to the individual who has undertaken a conversion course and the impact it has on career advancement, both professional and academic. The statements used are developed from a small exploratory study carried out by the authors (Allan & McLafferty 1999) in which it became clear that there were indeed positive changes in knowledge, skills and attitudes with as many as 90% of respondents having commenced or considering further study. The authors have broadened the study to include all Schools of Nursing and Midwifery who offer an EN conversion course in Scotland.