Pioneering training programme for 'nursing associates' starts

A PIONEERING programme which will help transform the nursing and care workforce of the future has started at Scarborough and York hospitals and in the community.

The first sixteen trainees have enrolled at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which is one of the sites nationally chosen to provide the second wave of training.  Once qualified, 'nursing associates' will be able to support registered nurses with a range of duties, within a defined scope of practice.

The two-year programme will include a mixture of ward and community based learning, academic study at University of York, with support from onsite clinical tutors.

The majority of those taking part were previously employed by the Trust as healthcare assistants, who are seeking to further their careers.  Among them is Sam Williams, 47, who has worked on Ward 28 at York Hospital as a healthcare assistant for the last two years.

“It was the Sister on my ward that told me about the trainee nurse associate role and suggested that I apply for one.  It meant that I could learn new skills to help care for people in times of need.”

She added: “I enjoyed working on Ward 28, it was very hard work both mentally and physically - I never thought that I would leave there.  Now I’m going to get the opportunity to work elsewhere in the trust through doing placements, so who knows where I might end up once the course has finished.”

Prior to working for the Trust, Sam worked as a receptionist and dispenser in a doctors surgery, and then as a dispenser in a local pharmacy.

Also undertaking the training is Rebecca Sanderson, 20, who has been a healthcare assistant for the last nine months.  Prior to working at the Trust, Rebecca worked in a 85 bedded dementia care home.

"Since I was young I always wanted to be a nurse and this training just seemed a natural progression for me and was a step up," she said.

Beverley Geary, Chief Nurse, York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said she was delighted to welcome the trainees to the programme.  She said the course gave them an "exciting opportunity" to be part of a national programme to shape the nursing workforce of the future.

“The role has been developed nationally to complement existing nursing teams and is part of our future plan to continually modernise and transform our workforce; in order to meet the needs of our patients; and provide a team of staff who can offer excellent, compassionate care.”

"As these trainees are in the first cohort for the Trust, we are in a unique position to work with them to develop the programme for the future and offer improved career pathway opportunities to emerging talent.”

Becky Hoskins, Assistant Director of Nursing - Workforce, York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust adds:  “I am delighted to welcome our trainees to the programme.  Our selection process was rigorous and the successful candidates have all demonstrated a real desire to undertake this programme.

“I am confident that they all have the enthusiasm and commitment to progress through the next two years and I look forward to working with them throughout this time.”

The Trust will work in partnership with Department of Health Sciences, University of York to deliver the curriculum framework.

20 April 2017