Queen's Nurse Title
Queen’s Nursing in Scotland dates back to the late 19th century when our charity was first established. QNIS provided training for community nurses for many decades until the 1960s, when the NHS took over. But in 2017, we decided to reintroduce the Queen’s Nurse title to Scotland.
The contemporary Queen’s Nurse development programme was created after extensive consultation with experts across the public sector. Community nurses and midwives are nominated by their employer and participate in a robust selection process.
The programme itself is intensive and includes residential and online workshops, monthly coaching sessions, and peer support. A unique aspect of the programme is the emphasis on participants being able to reflect deeply on their own practice, and how they role model excellent leadership, with honesty, humility and creativity. All these experiences can help promote greater self-awareness, the ability to address complex problems, and the confidence to initiate new ways of working.
Contemporary Queen’s Nurses are based in every region in Scotland, and we are proud of the contributions they have made, and continue to make, to the health and care of their communities.
Current opportunities
When we have opportunities they will be advertised here.
Roll of Honour
A list of Scotland’s Queen’s Nurses can be viewed on the Roll of Honour page.
Impact and evaluation
Community Nurses as Changemakers: An Impact Report funded by The Health Foundation
Commissioned by The Health Foundation, this report highlights the profound impact of the Queen’s Nurse Development Programme. It demonstrates the ingenuity and innovative spirit of community nurses and midwives, showcasing the significant difference they make in their communities through their leadership and dedication.
Scotland’s Queen’s Nurses: Compassionate Disruptors
Watch the short video below and hear the voices of three Scottish Queen’s Nurses as they bring the Impact Report to life.
Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Impact
Scotland faces significant health inequalities, with a striking gap in life expectancy between the most and least affluent areas. Risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, and inactivity contribute to the rise of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In 2023, QNIS, supported by the Burdett Trust for Nursing, enabled four nurses to join forces with local communities to develop meaningful health initiatives, build strong partnerships, and deliver measurable improvements in CVD prevention.
Read the full evaluation report
Scotland’s Queen’s Nurses: Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease
Watch this short video to discover the innovative approaches these four Scottish Queen’s Nurses used to tackle CVD prevention in their communities.
Robert Gordon University Evaluation
Research by Robert Gordon University (RGU) evaluated the experiences of the first community nurses to complete the Queen’s Nurse Development Programme, uncovering a journey of profound self-development and growth. Led by researchers from RGU’s School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedic Practice, this was the first comprehensive, independent evaluation of the programme.