Developing vocational progression pathways into pre-registration nursing
LEAD ORGANISATION
NHS South Central Strategic Health Authority
ADDITIONAL ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED
Caron Keys (Caron Keys Consulting Ltd); Mary Somerville (Somerville UK Ltd)
DATE
Completed July 2010
PROJECT SUMMARY
The purpose of this project was to develop clear and consistent progression pathways from further into higher education across NHS South Central. The specific focus of the project was on supporting progression into pre-registration nursing degree courses from Access, NVQs and Apprenticeships at academic level three, which have traditionally led to Diploma entry. The project grew out of a previous LLN-funded project which had identified the need for clear and consistent progression pathways particularly in the light of the move towards an all-graduate nursing workforce, which will be implemented by 2013. New and more challenging requirements will be placed upon staff who wish to progress from further into higher education, including demanding higher level skills and competences and an aptitude to succeed in an all-graduate profession.
The first phase of the project took the form of desk research and consultation with a wide range of partners within HE and FE across the NHS South Central region. The objective was to establish the entry requirements for pre-registration nursing degree programmes, including both formal qualification requirements and 'soft' requirements in terms of experience and characteristics. This phase also involved a review of the content of courses which entrants may undertake prior to Nursing entry, such as Access courses, NVQs and Apprenticeship programmes. This information was consolidated and analysed to identify areas requiring additional support. During the consultation phase, representatives from a range of NHS Trusts and PCT's were asked to comment on their vision of the needs of employees progressing into graduate courses.
IMPACT
The outcomes of the project were as follows:
- As a result of the research phase, a draft outline for a bridging unit was developed, incorporating contributions from a range of providers. This bridging unit would be taken following completion of NVQ level 3 or an apprenticeship.
- A series of 'next steps' were produced, all of which were recommended to be taken forward in order for a progression route for the workforce into the graduate nursing profession to be implemented.
- A draft Progression Agreement was produced for candidates employed in NHS South Central SHA region applying to HE on the basis of prior experience
Throughout the process, it was evident that there was strong cross sector support for the development of this programme, along with the opportunity to contribute to, and learn from National development work. The development of the proposed unit will benefit education partners at HE and FE levels, learners and employers and will ultimately contribute to a well trained, diverse nursing workforce, delivering quality care for patients.
In 2011, further work was done to refine the curriculum and two pilot sites were identified with a view to deliver this programme in September 2011.
LINK TO FULLER REPORT