A programme backed by HM King Charles III and run by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has helped a group of young people at Basildon Hospital find out more about nursing as a potential career.
Seven cadets, aged 16- to 17-years-old from Essex Army Cadet Force, part of the RCN King's Nursing Cadets programme, spent the day at the hospital for a series of interactive talks and practical sessions to help get a real insight into the profession.
Community links
The visit was made possible by the Professional and Commissioned Education team at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. Basildon Hospital, part of the trust, is the only hospital in Essex to take an active role in the programme.
Jennifer Marshall, deputy director of nursing at the trust, said: ‘This reflects our commitment to building greater community links as part of the trust's 10-year strategy and we hope that days like this give the RCN King's Nursing Cadets an insight into working in healthcare. It will also help develop their real-world skills, inspiring them to follow careers in the NHS and explore the opportunities we offer.'
One of those cadets was Olga Reyes, aged 16 from Colchester, who said: ‘I wanted to be a part of this because I'm really interested in healthcare as a future profession. I've really enjoyed today – especially hearing about all the different careers that are open to us and the difference these roles make to patients.'
Ethan Blanch, also aged 16 and from Colchester, said: ‘I've really enjoyed being in the simulation suite and learning about different medical procedures.
‘My favourite part was learning how to insert a cannula. Today has helped me decide that I'd like a career in anaesthesia.'
Life-long success
The initiative aims to develop and prepare cadets like Olga and Ethan for life-long success and to support them towards employment in nursing.
On completing the programme, students received a certificate, module transcript and a special alumni pin. They have the opportunity to become an ambassador and members of the RCN cadet alumni network, gaining access to local and national events, talks and future employment opportunities.
Jack Parry, project co-ordinator for RCN King's Nursing Cadets, who was with the cadets at Basildon Hospital, said: ‘We love that our programme brings the nursing profession alive for potential nurses of the future.
‘Partnerships with employers like Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust are hugely important to add real life experience to the academic parts of the course. This blend of learning gives a real insight about work in health to our young people.'
The King's Nursing Cadet Programme runs at selected locations across Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The programme equips cadets with 35 hours of blended learning and 20 hours of observational work experience.
To date, more than 1,150 young people have progressed through the programme since its launch in 2019. In a recent survey of cadets, 56% of respondents confirmed they have gone on to further education or now work in nursing or health-related fields. In addition, 88% reported that the programme had a positive or extremely positive impact on their perception of the nursing profession.
