Can an all-graduate profession work?

In September the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) approved plans to change pre-registration nursing education to an all graduate qualification in 2015. This decision follows an extensive consultation as part of the Government's ‘Modernising nursing careers’ initiative and has not been universally welcomed. Many nurses hold the view that a degree doesn't necessarily make a good nurse and that academic achievement cannot replace clinical experience. Others are concerned that the degree entry requirements will prevent sufficient numbers of nurses entering the profession, which will put a further strain on the existing workforce.