02.07.19
Prince of Wales joins forces with RCN to launch nursing cadet scheme
HRH the Prince of Wales and Royal College of Nursing CEO Dame Donna Kinnair have launched a pioneering scheme designed to give young members of uniformed organisations an introduction to potential careers in nursing and the wider NHS family.
The RCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme aims to inspire young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by giving them access to opportunities for academic study and hands-on experience in the healthcare sector.
It will enable young people to make a valuable contribution to society and contribute to the health and well-being within their local communities and beyond. It is being piloted across Wales this year, in partnership with the Army Cadet Force in Wales, with a view to wider UK rollout in the future.
The scheme combines 105 hours of guided and experiential learning with clinical observational placements within the cadets’ local healthcare area and will initially be open to 18 cadets aged 16 to 25.
Once cadets have successfully completed the foundation phase they will be offered a guaranteed interview for a Healthcare Support Worker position.
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HRH the Prince of Wales, who has given his personal backing to the initiative, launched the scheme with Dame Donna at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant.
Dame Donna Kinnair, RCN general secretary and chief executive said: “Nursing requires dedication and a strong sense of public service, but it offers huge opportunities for people from all walks of life to make a real difference.
“This new scheme will give some our finest young people, especially those from less privileged backgrounds, a taste of what they can offer our profession – and what it can give them in return”.