Sponsored by
News
New report reveals the ‘trap door’ leading to career regression for nurses
The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) has published a new report, The Trap Door: Understanding Career Regression in Nursing, revealing a widespread and largely overlooked issue within the profession: the downward movement of highly experienced nurses into lower-paid or less senior roles. Produced by the QICN’s International Community Nursing Observatory (ICNO), which is led by Professor Alison Leary MBE, the report explores the issue of ‘downbanding’ within the NHS Agenda for Change pay structure. It introduces the concept of the ‘trap door’, where skilled professionals are not only prevented from progressing but are actively pulled back into lower pay bands. Drawing on 579 survey responses, the study found
that over 80% of respondents had experienced career regression, with most having more than 20 years on the Nursing and Midwifery Council register. Many were experienced clinicians – including Clinical Nurse Specialists, District Nurses and General Practice Nurses – whose expertise is vital to patient care and the stability of the health service. The most common reasons cited for stepping
down included: l Lack of flexible working options – the leading driver of regression.
l Organisational restructuring and redundancies. l Bullying and toxic workplace culture. l Burnout and health issues. l Undervaluing of skills and blocked progression.
The findings expose systemic inequities and cultural barriers within workforce policy, with inflexible management practices and limited recognition of nursing expertise driving experienced professionals out of senior roles. The report calls for urgent policy reform and cultural change to ensure fair career progression and to retain experienced nurses within the workforce. “We talk a lot about the ‘glass ceiling’ and the
‘sticky floor’, but our research shows there’s also a trap door – and experienced nurses are falling through it. Many are being forced to choose between their health, family life and their professional standing,” commented Professor Alison Leary MBE, Director of the International Community Nursing Observatory. “These findings are very worrying with
over 80% of respondents having experienced career regression, and the majority being very experienced clinicians. This included Clinical Nurse Specialists, District Nurses and General Practice Nurses; the expertise of these nurses is critical to safe delivery of care,” added Steph Lawrence MBE, Chief Executive of the QICN. “The reasons given are not acceptable and very concerning, when we see on a daily basis the results of not having enough nurses in post: the harms to patients due to lack of capacity and the stress and burnout for staff involved. We have to ensure a more flexible approach if we are to retain a skilled and competent nursing workforce,” she continued.
Rethink Urinalysis Redefine precision at point of care No dips, No drips, No doubt.
By eliminating dipstick inconsistencies, UTS™ improves healthcare workflows, patient care and supports clinical decision making.
Hygienic single-use tests Results in 90 seconds Ten urine diagnostic data points
The future of urine testing begins here. Please visit:
alphalabs.co.uk/uts
0800 38 77 32
info@alphalabs.co.uk www.alphalabs.co.uk
03 UTS - 180x94 - Dec
2025.indd 1 04/12/2025 16:44:27 January 2026 I
www.clinicalservicesjournal.com 11
ajr_images -
stock.adobe.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
