A new apprenticeship scheme is being launched to help the next generation of nurses achieve their dream career.
The West Norfolk Cohort aims to attract nursing students to work in the area along with helping Health or Social Care Assistants to train to become Registered Nurses
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust and Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust have joined forces on this scheme, which is hoped to increase the number of nurses working in West Norfolk.
Potential candidates will be able to learn more during a drop-in session at The Inspire Centre, which is close to the hospital’s roundabout, on Saturday, March 4 2017, from 10am to 4pm.
Emma Hardwick, Director of Nursing at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, said: “Nursing is an incredibly rewarding career and West Norfolk offers a wealth of opportunities for people to progress and make a difference.
“The hospital is currently running a number of initiatives to increase the numbers of nurses in West Norfolk, including Grow Your Own. Four of our Clinical Coordinators are currently working on a Honours Degree in Pre-Registration degree. By investing in our existing staff we are helping to equip the workforce of the future.
“We are pleased to work with our partners to offer this exciting opportunity and ensure the high standard care for our future patients.”
Nursing students are being encouraged to complete their training at the hospital or other health organisations in West Norfolk with the hopes of attracting them to work in the area after their qualification.
Band 2 or 3 Health or Social Care Assistants, who work for any of the three trusts, also have the opportunity to complete an 18-month higher apprenticeship, which is the equivalent to a foundation degree. This course is being delivered by the University of Suffolk and the next session is due to start in June with recruitment being advertised from March.
Existing or newly recruited workers will undertake face-to-face learning before demonstrating what they have learned on the wards.
They will also have the opportunity to continue their employment as an Assistant Practitioner or continue their studies to become a Registered Nurse.
Debbie Beresford, Deputy Director of Nursing, from NCH&C, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for nursing students to get experience of the world of work and to recognise the opportunities available to them. NCH&C are really excited to be supporting this project and offering these opportunities for the future workforce of the NHS.”
For more information on the drop-in session contact QEH Apprentice Coordinator Amy Haynes on 01553 214620
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Pictured are Clinical Coordinators Kayleigh McCourt and Lauren Carey, who are currently studying to become Registered Nurses.
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