By Deborah Small, DNP, RN, NE-BC, Chief Nursing Officer and Jacqueline Bishop, MSc, RN, Director of Perioperative Services, Cleveland Clinic London

As the opening of Cleveland Clinic London draws near, nurse leaders there are increasing their collaboration with others throughout the UK to exchange ideas and enhance the profession. 

Cleveland Clinic leaders have developed partnerships with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, which oversees the competence and registration of nurses, and the Royal College of Nursing, which sets nurse training standards and is one of the largest unions, advocating for fair practices and workforce development across the country. Cleveland Clinic also has a seat on the Florence Nightingale Foundation Advisory board, which plays a vital role in the development of future nurse leaders. 

Additionally, our leaders work with Ruth May, D.Sc. h.c., RN, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for England and Executive/National Director at National Health Service (NHS) England and NHS Improvement. Dr. May oversees nursing practice across NHS trusts and works as the most senior nurse advisor to the government in England. While Cleveland Clinic London is not part of the NHS, our nursing agendas are aligned and include goals such as:

• Enhancing pride in the nursing profession and nursing excellence.
• Creating a workforce fit for the future
• Bringing a collective voice and shared leadership to influence local accreditation, development of shared governance and shared decision making.

We also recognize the contributions of UK nurses and the sharing of best practices across the nation by partnering with and sponsoring the Nursing Times Awards. 

Our leaders recently presented Cleveland Clinic’s just culture model, combined with the NHS framework, at a Royal College of Nursing career event. The presentation showcased how we create an engaged reporting and learning climate by providing a fair and psychologically safe environment. 

Other collaboration efforts include:

• contracting with formal nursing programs, offering our nurse educators and specialty nurses for faculty exchange opportunities.
• establishing strong academic partnerships with area universities, ensuring designated preceptors for all nursing students.

As part of our marketing and recruitment strategy, we’ve presented career fairs and speaking engagements for students and nurses. Several Cleveland Clinic London nursing caregivers also volunteer for the Talent Foundry NextGen Nurse (NHS) workshop program, which introduces secondary level students to roles and career options within nursing.

Nursing at Cleveland Clinic London

In less than one year, Cleveland Clinic plans to open its London outpatient facility and hospital. Cleveland Clinic London is expected to employ 1,250 caregivers when it opens, promoting economic growth and diversity in the UK.

More than 400 of those caregivers will be nurses working in our clinical institutes and subspecialties. In addition to local hires, we plan to recruit nurses from the U.S. and other international locations who are dedicated to the continued elevation of the profession, and to the care we provide patients.