BUDDING nurses in Teignbridge have been given the chance to join a new nursing cadet programme.
This is the first time the scheme has been run in the South West as the RCN are running it as a pilot programme with South Devon UTC.
The aim is to give students the chance to watch nursing staff in action and give a better understanding how to pursue a career in nursing.
Participants are also awarded with a certificate to share with potential employers.
The programme takes 55 hours to complete and includes teaching, learning and a 20 hour observational placement.
Eleven students from Years 11, 12 and 13 are taking part in the programme, which is open to young people aged 16 to 25.
The Newton Abbot students have now completed the taught element and attended 20 hours of placement at Torbay Hospital.
They observed a range of specialisms and wards including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, outpatients, fracture clinic, trauma ward, radiology, discharge lounge and even day surgery, where the students got to put on scrubs and watch minor surgery.
The health sciences specialism includes four qualifications in the prevention and control of infection, health and social care, child development and care, and relationships, sex and health education.
The students had excellent support from mentors at the hospital and dedicated staff team who guided them.
Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said: ‘I am so proud of the students that have undertaken the Nursing Cadet Programme, especially as the hospital staff commended our learners on their professionalism, punctuality and overall positive behaviour, saying they were a credit to the school.
‘I know taking part in the programme has been tremendously helpful for some of our students who are now certain that they want to pursue a career in nursing.
’It’s been of benefit to all participants as they have started to develop the professionalism, flexibility and tenacity needed to thrive in busy working environments.’