Nursing is facing a retention crisis, the profession says

Lyndola Grieg, 47, is a neonatal nurse practitioner - a high level nurse caring for seriously ill babies.

Despite her experience and her enjoyment of the job, Lyndola, who works at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, is seriously thinking of leaving the profession.

She told the BBC News website: "There is prestige about my role. I'm still a nurse, but the role has been extended - I'm working on the same rota as the doctors.

"And I'm finally doing what I believe the majority of nurses want to do, providing holistic care. I carry out clinical assessments, outline treatment and administer the treatment.

"I also have a role in mentoring student nurses, and have set up a 'buddy' scheme for junior staff.

"But there isn't the same level of support for people in my grade."

Ms Grieg added: "I want to carry on training, but it's not possible because the money isn't there.

"I can't do all the things I would like to do. It is frustrating."

However, she said she was seriously thinking about leaving the profession altogether because of the impact the demands of the job placed on her life.

"I am 47, and while that's still considered a young age, I would like to have a bit of a life before it's too late."

But she added: "If I did leave, I don't know what I would do."