title: Preparing for the future.
abstract: Nursing is undergoing radical and fundamental changes. The impact of Project 2000 and the recruitment and retention of professional staff have profound implications for the delivery of patient care. All this is taking place in a service under threat from the demographic 'black hole' - the dearth of young people who will work in the health service due to the low birth rate in the early 1970s. We believe the first level registered nurse (RN) has to assume a positive role if the profession is to play its full part in facing the challenges health care will bring in the future.
authors.affiliation: Staff Development Unit, Barnsley District General Hospital.
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Headford
authors.affiliation: Staff Development Unit, Barnsley District General Hospital.
authors.forename: Gill
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Green