Are you interested in a new challenge? Do you want to develop your skills and knowledge?
In January 2017, we launched the Nursing Associate Programme across the East Midlands and Leicestershire, our first cohort completed their programme in January 2019 and have now registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) since then a further 108 trainees have started their programme with the Leicestershire School of Nursing Associates.
The next programme of recruitment will start in August 2019.
The LLR Nursing Associate Programme is unique because it has been developed and is delivered in partnership with practice staff from different NHS organisations, independent and private organisations across Leicestershire, and in collaboration with De Montfort University.
> Click here to find out more about the national Nursing Associate Programme
Trainee Nursing Associate Programme
Are you interested in a new challenge? Do you want to develop your skills and knowledge? You may be interested in applying for a place on the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Nursing Associate Programme.
This is a unique programme in Leicestershire, validated by De Montfort University and delivered at the Leicestershire School of Nursing Associates, based on the Glenfield Hospital site.
The two-year apprenticeship programme, combines both academic and work-based learning in the physical, psychological and public health aspects of care from pre-conception to end of life.
The programme is structured around a number of clinical placements which can include:
- Adult, Mental Health, Child and Learning Disability
- At home, close to home and within the hospital
The University costs for the programme are fully funded, and successful completion of the programme leads to a Foundation Degree as a Nursing Associate.
Working in placements
Successful external candidates will be employed on the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme. During the programme the Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA) will be employed as a Band 3 and on successful completion of the training you will automatically transferred into a Band 4 Nursing Associate post within the area you have been seconded from.
The next programme of recruitment will start in August 2019. The TNA will rotate into placements within their employing organisation up to 15 weeks per year.
TNAs will work clinically for 80% of their time (pro rata part time) in their own area and attend classroom teaching for 20% per week so, it is essential that you will have the full support of your line manager in applying for this programme.
Nursing Associate entry criteria
The minimum entry requirements are:
- A substantive HCA post (or similar care worker post)
- GCSEs Grade C or above in Maths and English Language / New GCSE Grade 4-9 in Maths and English Language OR Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English or Equivalent (not entry level 2). You will need to provide all of your certificates for you qualifications
- Work a minimum of 30 hours a week
Workshops
To prepare for the next intake, the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) are planning a few training nursing associates preparatory workshops on the dates below:
- 11th July, 9am – 3.30pm, Education and Training Centre, Beaumont Leys, LE4 1EZ
- 18th July, 9am – 3.30pm, Glenfield Education Centre, Glenfield Hospital Site, LE3 9EJ
- 24th July, 9am – 3.30pm, Glenfield Education Centre, Glenfield Hospital Site, LE3 9EJ
- 13th Aug, 9am – 3.30pm, Glenfield Education Centre, Glenfield Hospital Site, LE3 9EJ
- 21st Aug, 9am – 3.30pm, Glenfield Education Centre, Glenfield Hospital Site, LE3 9EJ
- 2nd Sep, 9am – 3.30pm, Glenfield Education Centre, Glenfield Hospital Site, LE3 9EJ
These events will include numeracy and literacy support, academic writing, application writing and interview skills, as well as the chance to meet existing trainees.
Interested? Book on by contacting:
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for the programme or If you have any questions about the role, please contact;
Please note: prior to applying confirmation will be sought from your line manager that they understand and accept the commitment to the programme. At interview all candidates will be asked to complete a numeracy and literacy test.
ABOUT THE LLR PROGRAMME
- Programme Leader; Annabel Coulson Practice Learning Lead (UHL)
- Project Lead; Eleanor Meldrum, Assistant Chief Nurse (UHL)
The Programme consists of 8 modules over two years, each worth 30 credits which will be studied at Level 4 in the first year and Level 5 in the second year. Plus two practice related modules in which trainees will develop clinical skills to support the nursing workforce.
Modules have been developed to ensure that trainee Nursing Associates will have the knowledge, skills and professional attributes to join the NMC register as a Registered Nursing Associate.
Trainee Nursing Associate Recruitment Process
Trainee Nursing Associates will be recruited from NHS and Non-NHS providers across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
For any queries please contact
Nina Patel
Administrator for FDSci Nursing Associate
Ninakshi.patel@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
Annabel Coulson, Nursing Associate Programme Leader
annabel.coulson@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
OUR TRAINEES
There is a diverse range of trainees currently undertaking the programme from across health care providers throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland; from primary and secondary care and from both NHS and Private organisations. All trainees are supported by their employers to undertake the programme, including time for study and external placements
All trainees are easily identifiable with a Nursing Associate badge; they have also been provided with a white tunic top and grey epaulettes.
CASE STUDIES
Some of our trainees have given their first-person accounts of the programme to share an insight into the course. Read their stories below:
> Kirsty Hinckinbottom (based at the Children's Hospital, Leicester Royal Infirmary)
> Dominika Raginia-Ptak (based at LOROS Hospice)
> Donna Bruce (based on cardiology ward 28, Glenfield Hospital)
> Click here to read more about HCAs undertaking primary care nursing
FAQS
How long will the trainees be away from their clinical areas?
Trainees will study for six weeks initially, this period will commence the first two modules and will ensure that all academic support can be given and mandatory training to ensure placements can be accessed anywhere throughout the county with all service users.
They will then have one study day per week on a Monday = 7.5 hours
There will be a further two weeks in the summer and at the start of the second year when there will be additional study over three days
What supervision do trainees need?
Trainees will need a registered healthcare professional to take the lead in supporting them through each placement experience (a Supervisor); they will need to be able to work alongside them and support trainees to access a range of opportunities to facilitate the achievement of outcomes.
Will trainees be supernumerary?
Not within Base Areas. Trainees will still be employed and able to undertake their existing role; however they need to be supported to undertake learning in practice under the supervision of a registered professional which may mean that they have to be relieved of certain duties.
Pathway opportunities should be supported to enable trainees to experience and understand the patient journey.
Can trainees continue to undertake roles for which they have been trained?
Yes. For example, if a HCA has been trained to cannulate or perform venepuncture, they will be asked to provide evidence of competence for practice outside of base areas
What are alternative placements?
During the two year programme trainees must experience placements in different settings; care in hospital, care closer to home and care at home to be able to evidence the transferability of their skills
These will take place three times a year in five week blocks and will be planned into each individual programme to ensure that any pre agreed annual leave is considered; annual leave cannot be taken during these weeks
Pathways will be included within these experiences to ensure that trainees explore the patient journey.
If you have any other questions or would like to discuss supporting the programme, please contact Annabel Coulson, Programme Leader on 0116 2585846 / 07984522223 or email annabel.coulson@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
