A profile of the nurse specialist in tissue viability in the UK

A postal survey was conducted to develop a profile of practising tissue viability clinical nurse specialists in the UK. The aims of the study were to establish baseline data on the role and conditions of employment and identify any discrepancies. A sample of 110 practitioners were identified, of whom 87 replied. Prior to appointment, respondents had between 2-36 years (mean 13 years; SE 0.754) post-registration experience; the first appointment was in 1983 and there has been a steady increase; geographical distribution is uneven tending to cluster around metropolitan areas and on the south coast. The majority of practitioners are appointed in the area of general wound management; 36% have budget responsibility for tissue viability services, mostly for the provision and supply of pressure sore preventive equipment. The appointment was a new post for 90% of respondents, highlighting the lack of available role models and the potential isolation of the position. Most practitioners are working full-time (90%) and 62% are on Grade H; 28% are graduates with a further 19% studying for a first degree; 6% already hold a master's degree while 20% are undertaking courses at this level. However, 39% have no academic qualifications and only 34% had completed ENB courses in tissue viability.