Abstract
Background In 2019 the first NMC Registered Nursing Associates (NAs) qualified following a national pilot and were supported through the GOSH Preceptorship Programme for their first year. In 2021 they enrolled on the ‘The Recognition of Prior Educational Learning (RPEL) Nursing Apprenticeship’, supported by the Gosh Learning Academy (GLA). Following successful completion, they are now registered paediatric nurses at GOSH.
Educational Pathway The Clinical Apprenticeship Team designed a bespoke educational pathway to enhance the academic support already provided. A spiral curriculum approach was taken to build a transition pathway beginning at the start of the 3 month sign-off placement on their home wards, focusing on core clinical competencies such as intravenous (IV) therapy. The second two days straddled qualifying to bridge the gap between the apprenticeship and becoming registered nurses. These days were built upon previous Preceptorship themes of accountability, resilience and leadership. The apprentices were supported for 6 months as they consolidated their band 5 skills, and then enrolled onto the Graduate Year 2 Programme themed around four essential elements for their future careers of clinical, research, leadership and education. This provided a streamlined educational pathway, from the Preceptorship Programme through to joining the Graduate Year 2 Programme.
Results On average the qualifying nurses were IV competent in 6.1 weeks of receiving their NMC PIN. Although expected to be faster than other newly registered nurses (NRNs), an IV study day would only just be delivered to NRNs on starting their careers at 6 weeks.
On surveying the pathway, all apprentices stated it was extremely useful and well timed. Feedback included ‘I felt more prepared to start my new role as a registered nurse’.
The effectiveness of the pathway to date is shown in short IV competency completion, positive course feedback and 100% retention at 5 months post qualification.
