A workforce in jeopardy: identifying the challenges of ensuring a sustainable advanced HIV nursing workforce

HIV services in England face substantial challenges arising from financial pressures and changes to commissioning. A sustainable HIV specialist nursing workforce will be vital to enable them to respond to those challenges.

This paper examines the current workforce situation in HIV services across the country.

This mixed-method study involved semi-structured interviews with 19 key stakeholders and with 44 nurses/physicians from 21 purposively selected HIV services across England. Data were interpreted using a framework analysis approach.

'Building a career in HIV nursing' identified problems associated with retention and recruitment. Changes in commissioning are disrupting common career routes from sexual health to HIV nursing, and a perceived lack of a clear career pathway was seen as a barrier to recruitment. 'Developing a specialist workforce' explored the professional development of the current workforce, which was hampered by poor access to funding or study time for advanced study and the absence of an HIV-specific advanced nursing qualification.

The HIV nursing workforce, which provides an increasing proportion of HIV care, is facing serious recruitment and retention challenges. A strategic approach to workforce development and training is essential to overcome systemic barriers and secure the next generation of skilled practitioners.