Torbay and South Devon is soon to gain six new fully qualified nurses as the first set of Assistant Practitioners begin their studies as part of a new Nursing Apprenticeship programme.
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, working in partnership with the University of Plymouth, has launched a new nursing degree apprenticeship scheme where existing Assistant Practitioners within the Trust will have the opportunity to obtain a BSc Degree in Nursing following completion of the two year programme.
The Trust recently celebrated as the first cohort of Level six Nursing Degree Apprentices signed their paperwork with the University of Plymouth who will be delivering the programme.
Suzy Hubbard, Apprenticeship and Widening Participation Manager at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This new, exciting route into a nursing career has enabled six of our existing Assistant Practitioners to secure a place with the University of Plymouth to undertake this apprenticeship in order to become a fully qualified Registered Nurse.
“The new apprenticeship will enable those who aspire to become qualified nurses to do so without the need for a student loan! The new NursingApprenticeship route will allow employers the opportunity to grow their own workforce. It also highlights our excellent working partnership with regional training providers such as the University of Plymouth.
“This wonderful opportunity will fully prepare the Nurse Apprentice; and they will become our newly qualified registered professionals of the future, capable of delivering first class care for our Integrated Care Organisation.
“We send our very best wishes to all of our Apprentice Nurses and we look forward to following them on their journey!”
Nina Henton-Waller, is currently an Assistant Practitioner based on EAU3 at Torbay Hospital. Nina is one of the first Trust employees to sign up to Nursing Apprenticeship degree. Nina said: “I’ve been given the great opportunity to do an apprenticeship with the hospital and I’m really excited as this gives me an opportunity to progress which I wouldn’t have been able to do before. I’m really grateful for the opportunity which means I can learn lots of new skills as well as become a fully qualified Registered Nurse within the next two years.
“I would encourage everyone to look at what’s available as an apprenticeship course as it’s opened up a wonderful opportunity to me that I didn’t think would ever be possible.”
Caroline Jamison, University of Plymouth Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship Lead, said: “This new apprenticeship programme provides an alternative route to becoming a Registered Nurse leading to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The apprenticeship route will enable individuals to gain the skills they need to reach their full potential whilst remaining in salaried employment.
“We are therefore delighted to be working in partnership with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust andwe anticipate that this group of nurse apprentices will be the first of many and we look forward to welcoming more Assistant Practitioners on to the programme.”
The first six Nursing Apprentices areCharlotte Cole, Nina Henton-Waller, Chrissy Rugg, Elaine Wilson, Emma Scott and Dawn Parker.
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