Rule changes which will see it become compulsory for all NHS nurses to have a degree to enter the workforce are a "positive" step, it has been said.
According to the University of East Anglia (NEA) School of Nursing and Midwifery, the measure is about "trying to get another tier of academic background to back up the profession".
Deputy head of the school Rosy Doy also noted that the move is not out of the blue, but had been on the cards for some time.
Under new rules announced by health minister Ann Keen, all NHS nurses will need to have a degree to enter the nursing profession from 2013 onwards.
Currently, those looking to train to be a nurse are only required to have a diploma - and the new measures are aimed at improving level of care for patients, which could interest those expecting a baby who will soon be staying in hospital.
