District nursing has a long history as a service that provides care for patients in their home environment. Demographic changes and a need to optimise out of hospital care has impacted on the acuity of patients supported and the complexity of caseload management. District nurses, in order to effectively manage such increased demands on their busy service, need to possess excellent, assertive case management skills. This study explores and evaluates the impact of the Specialist Practice Qualification in district nursing on the assertiveness and leadership skills of students. The programme is frequently at risk as a result of cuts in post-registration funding. This study effectively demonstrates the substantial impact of the programme; a programme that should remain an option for future district nurses.

Julie Green - Queen's Nurse, RCN Professional Nursing Committee member, RCN District Nurse Forum Chair and member of the Association of District Nurse Educators