We recently hosted a celebration event to mark the graduation of our first Registered Nurse Degree Apprentices.
The event held at Stanley House in Mellor celebrated the first cohort of students completing their Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeships (RNDA), these included Dominic Kenyon, Lee Dougan, Michelle McAteer, Arron Donaldson and Joeann Flannigan.
Sarah Rampley, Professional Registration Apprenticeship Lead said:
“We are all extremely proud of the hard work and determination our apprentices have shown throughout their Degree programme with The University of Cumbria. All of our apprentices will now move into Learning Disability Registered Nurse posts within our Trust. They have all shown such a passion for the field of Learning Disabilities and will be an asset to our Learning Disability nursing workforce and multi-disciplinary team.”
Each of the apprentices followed a clinical development pathway, firstly undertaking the Trainee Nursing Associate 2 year programme (registering with the NMC as a Nursing Associate), then undertaking the ‘top up’ Registered Nurse Degree apprenticeship in Learning Disabilities which takes 20 months to complete.
Recent graduate Michelle McAteer commented:
"As a mature student, my options for career advancement were limited. The RNDA course has given me an excellent opportunity to progress my NHS career. I would wholeheartedly recommend the RNDA route into nursing. You benefit from interesting placements, wonderful university sessions and fantastic support. This has helped me transition from Registered Nursing Associate to Registered Nurse Learning Disabilities. My new developmental Nurse role within LD Services Intensive Support Team is the next step of my exciting journey within the LD Nursing family."
We recruit twice a year to our Trainee Nursing Associate Foundation Degree Apprenticeships and offer ‘top up’ Registered Nurse Degree programmes in both Mental Health and Learning Disabilities for any qualified Nursing Associates or Assistant Practitioners.
Maria Nelligan, Chief Nurse & Quality Officer said:
“Our Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship graduates are a true example of what can be achieved through investment by the Trust in developing the nursing workforce and the dedication and commitment from our apprentices to achieve their career aspirations. I look forward to seeing their positive impact on patient care.”
We welcome applications from either existing members of staff or external candidates wishing to develop their careers with a Trust committed to developing their workforce. Any programme queries can be directed to sarah.rampley@lscft.nhs.uk
