On completion, you will become a professionally flexible, responsible, self aware nursing graduate with care and compassion complemented by the ability to think quickly and critically.

There will also be opportunities for you to take a lead in healthcare developments through your commitment and outstanding communication skills. Typical job roles for individuals studying this programme include Staff Nurse, Sister/Charge Nurse and Clinical Educator.

What will you learn?

• How to work in a range of care settings

• Working effectively within a multidisciplinary team

• Complex care needs

• Assessment, planning, implementation and evaluating care

• Medicines management

• Effective communication in a range of situations

 We understand that before making the decision to apply it is important to do your homework – to get a ‘feel’ for the job, the organisation you’re thinking of joining and to decide “is this really for me?”. You can research this role in more detail here.

Desired skills

Essential:

• Able to demonstrate care and compassion

• Able to follow written instructions

• Able to follow verbal instructions

• Demonstrates an understands his/her own role in delivering care to meet patient needs

• Good basic IT skill

• Flexibility

• Motivation to learn in varying situations

• Willingness to develop personal skills to enhance the role

• Committed to achieve the apprenticeship pathway to Registration

Desirable:

• Experience of working in a health and care setting

• Understands the importance of confidentiality and demonstrates a knowledge of how it can be maintained

• Understanding of current health and care topical issues

Personal qualities

• Demonstrates behaviours which are friendly, caring and compassionate

• Understands the importance of commitment, values and behaviours

Desired qualifications

To begin your training as a Student Nurse, you’ll need GCSEs grade 9 to 4 (A to C) or equivalent in Maths and English, or Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English. You will also need to demonstrate your ability to study to level 5 foundation degree level. As part of your application we like to see if you have already completed a care certificate or have any other relevant care experience in the paid or voluntary sector.

If you do not have the right qualifications, you will be asked to sit a numeracy and literacy assessment as part of the recruitment process. We recommend that you prepare for this assessment and, if you are employed, ask your employer to support you with this. Most education providers will request that you then achieve a level 2 literacy and numeracy qualification before you start the programme.

If you need to undertake a course to help you meet the Maths and English standards, your employing organisation should either ask your employer for help with finding a course or contact your local further education college

PROGRESSION2 or HAFLS, both offer courses where applicants don’t have the desired maths and English at level 2. Functional Skills training and examination is free to any learner who does not hold maths and/or English GCSE at C or above (or equivalent).

This is not a 9 to 5 job. You will work across various care settings who can provide a 24/7 service. Staff works to meet the needs of our patients, so are expected to work a variety of shift patterns including days, nights, weekends and public/bank holidays. You may be expected to work long days, short days or a combination of the two.

It is important that you understand you may be required to work on a rota, doing shifts that may include days, nights and weekends.  This ensures you learn how to provide care as our patients’ needs change across a normal day.

•  programme of 48 months duration

• working as a Student Nurse for 12.5 hours per week and as a university student for 25 hours per week

• expectation of additional study in your own time

Student Nurses work in a wide variety of different settings, providing care for Adults or Children with physical, mental, cognitive and behavioural care needs, those living with dementia, Learning Disabilities, the elderly and for people at the end of their life. They care for people in their own home, in the community or hospital or in any health care setting.

 If you’re on an apprenticeship, you’ll be employed in a health or social care setting such as a Acute or mental health hospital, GP practice, care home, hospice or community-based service. You’ll also gain experience in other health and care settings and situations by travelling to different placements and working a mix of shifts.

What are my future prospects when I become a Registered Nurse after I finish my training?

On completion of your apprenticeship pathway you will be able to:

·         Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Nurse

·         Retain a permanent Band 5 or equivalent position at your employing organisation

You will be required to complete a Nurse Preceptorship programme to consolidate your skills, knowledge and behaviours before accessing future developmental opportunities. 

You will will gain a Bachelor of Science (BSc) nursing degree at the end of your training.

You will spend 3 day per week in academic learning in the classroom (1 day at university or local clinical laboratory, 2 days Virtual Learning) and the rest of the time learning in practice at your host Trust.

You can find out more by visiting BPP's (our education provider) website here.