Background A new placement initiative was trialled this year with the aim of providing an insight of potential careers and leadership to pre-registered students. Both providing a different perspective of the nursing career, and the students experience of nurse leadership in regards to care of the ‘well’ community and how this prevents the need for admission.

The four students who trialled this programme were provided a 4-week placement, in which they rotated around the following areas: Cardiac Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), nurse led sedation, Interventional Radiology, Neurology CNS, Cystic Fibrosis CNS and Sleep Unit run by AHP’s. To facilitate a seamless, thorough assessment, students were allocated a ‘long arm’ assessor from the undergraduate team, who assessed them throughout and set learning objectives throughout in relation to gaining knowledge of the specialism and how leadership was demonstrated throughout the role. Students were asked to present their experiences and how this would impact their career, to their Practice assessor. Students had weekly supervision sessions where progress was reviewed and reflection was encouraged.

Results All four students successfully completed the careers placement in its entirety. All objectives were successful met and the success of this initiative is demonstrated in an overall evaluation score of 4.9 out of 5. Students regarded this placement as ‘ extremely beneficial’, as they were able to meet different experts who provide speciality care to our patients and provided hope of aspiration for their future careers. Whilst the key focus was on the student’s experience, by providing this innovative placement experience, we were able to support with the increased demands required by the NMC to provide further placement experiences.

Conclusion This innovation looks to provide a future passion and prospect in students that have only just began in their nursing journey, aiming to improve career prospects and retention within the profession.