Outlining and defining the role of the epilepsy specialist nurse.

The epilepsy specialist nurse (ESN) role is complex, diverse and multifaceted, with nurses working with different patient groups in various settings. In this article, recently undertaken national audit studies into ESN services have been combined with key NHS/United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting directives to outline the role. The main aim of the role is to provide high-quality effective assessment and care for patients/families/carers; to work collaboratively with professionals and other agencies; and to continually develop services/practices, professionals and non-professionals and themselves. Unfortunately the future of the ESN is being threatened; national audit data has identified that nurses are feeling undermined and devalued, having to take on greater workloads and more responsibilities, which they feel are not being recognized. In order to start to rectify this situation, ESNs need to collate the relevant data to prove and advertise their worth. Hopefully this vital resource will survive.