What does the term ‘nurse’ mean to you?
For most, it appears to be a description of someone who has undergone training, qualifications, and hard work to earn the title.
But you may be shocked to learn that still, right now in the UK, the term ‘Registered Nurse’ is protected, but the more commonly used word, ‘nurse’ is not.
It means, practically speaking, that anyone can call themselves a nurse, no matter their qualifications. This is a dangerous loophole that must be closed.
In 2025, I find that unfathomable, especially when other common words like ‘doctor’, ‘paramedic’ and ‘midwife’ are offered legal security.
It isn’t just a matter of professional pride — it’s about patient safety, public trust, and respect.
That’s why I won’t stop fighting until we make this change.
The ‘#ProtectNurse’ campaign, led by Professor Alison Leary MBE, Paul Trevatt and many others, has gained widespread backing across the healthcare community, and I’ve been so proud to lead this fight within the House of Commons.
I got involved back in 2021 because I was so appalled to hear that people without any formal nursing qualifications – or those who have been struck off the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register, sometimes for serious misconduct – can still legally call themselves a nurse.
There have been some very concerning examples in the past.
Cassandra Grant, a ‘dangerous fantasist’ who posed as a nurse at the Blenheim Palace Horse Trials, was jailed for four years after pretending to be a medical professional and being involved in injecting an injured rider at the event, and while another person was having a heart attack.
If only those on the NMC register can call themselves a nurse, such people won’t gain access to patients so easily and such incidents won’t be allowed to happen.
Then there was Kate Shemirani, a nurse who claimed 5G caused Covid symptoms and spread vaccine misinformation. She was struck off, but she was still able to legally call herself a nurse.
An investigation by Nursing Standard revealed that thousands of those working in the NHS use the word ‘nurse’ in their job title despite not being registered. There’s also 93% of NHS trusts with staff using the title who do not have the required qualifications.
This is not just misleading – in my view it’s potentially dangerous.
When someone says they’re a nurse, the public rightly assumes they’ve been trained to the highest standards and are regulated.
Right now, that assumption could have serious consequences, and patients deserve clarity.
That is why, this year, I’ve reintroduced my Bill to protect the title ‘nurse’ in law.
It would simply mean that only those registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council could use that title, bringing us in line with protections in other countries.
I have been clear that my Bill wouldn’t affect other roles like ‘dental nurse’ or ‘veterinary nurse’ – their titles are already clearly defined and regulated under separate laws, so my Bill offers a clear provision to exempt them from this change.
Professional nursing associations, nursing unions, patient safety organisations, charities that support patients and patient representative organisations have all voiced their support for this protection. Importantly, the Royal College of Nursing is also in favour..
The public seems to agree – I have to say I’ve been overwhelmed by the huge support I’ve received.
The truth is this change is long overdue. I first tried to bring this forward four years ago, through an amendment to the Health and Care Bill. That amendment had broad support from over 240 MPs – but the then Tory Government blocked it.
But I haven’t given up.
Now, I believe we have an amazing opportunity under a Labour Government – which I know truly cares about the safety of patients.
And we have ready-made legislation to fix this issue – my Nurses (Use of Title) Bill has been published and presented to Parliament, and is awaiting Second Reading on June 20.
But we don’t have to wait – the Government, if it so chooses, can accept my Bill now and bring it into law.
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My message to ministers is: Details will of course need to be worked out, but it should accept it in principle and work with me to bring about the change in legislation that patients and professionals need.
This is not a party-political issue. It’s a matter of common sense and compassion. We need to close the loophole, ensure public trust, and show the nursing profession the respect it deserves.
So, I’m calling on my colleagues in Parliament — on all sides — to back my Bill. Let’s finally protect the title ‘nurse’ and make sure that it means exactly what the public thinks it means: Someone trained, qualified, regulated and truly accountable.
Now is the time. For patient safety. For professional integrity. And for every nurse who has earned the right to be called one.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
Share your views in the comments below.
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