Introducing a professional pledge for all nurses was one of the most controversial recommendations made by the prime minister's commission on the future of nursing and midwifery.It was welcomed by some when the report was published in March, but others branded it insulting and patronising.The future of the commission's work has been in doubt since this month's change of government.Conservative MP and former nurse Anne Milton criticised the pledge when it was mooted. It is not known whether she will support its implementation now she is a health minister.However, some employers see value in a pledge, even if it is not implemented nationally.Patients Association president Claire Rayner, a commissioner, believes the pledge could focus the minds of newly qualified nurses. She suggests it could be displayed on hospital notice boards clearly visible to nurses and patients.
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