The value of Queen's Nurses

The training of Queen's Nurses commenced in 1859 when the Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI) trained nurses to work in the community, but this ceased in 1968, when the QNI stopped training community nurses and universities took over. The title of Queen's Nurse (QN) was reinstated in 2007. The QN title offers opportunities for nurses to be recognised for their work and individuals can put themselves forward by applying. Details are available on the QNI website.

This organisation is still passionately committed to supporting community practitioners and recognising their determination to provide excellent care to patients and clients. Crystal Oldman, chief executive of the QNI, has said that while most practitioners in primary care do not see themselves as 'special,' many are innovators and leaders in practice, committed to providing an excellent service for their client group. This often goes unrecognised and unrewarded.