NursingPlus Open is an international open access journal providing a forum for the publication of scholarly articles on all aspects of practice, education, research, management and policy in nursing and midwifery. NursingPlus Open is a peer-reviewed international publication which will consider research, reviews, case studies and critical discussion that support the evidence-base behind practice and education within nursing and midwifery care and will encompass both theoretical and empirical contributions. The aim of the journal is to support and promote excellence in nursing and midwifery and articles from all areas of the professions are welcomed, as well as from related health care professionals that support the interdisciplinary nature of the healthcare workforce.