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| In training: Cadet
nurse Gemma Weeks at the Norfolk and Norwich University
Hospital. |
Cadet Nurse
Answers supplied by Alex Boyle, cadet nurse
co-ordinator for the Norfolk and Norwich NHS Trust at the
University Hospital in Colney Lane. The trust employs more
than 5,000 people and last year treated more than 500,000
patients.
What does the job entail?
Working shifts in wards and departments of the hospital under
supervision. A cadet nurse would undertake and assist with
personal care for patients, observations and procedures and
documentation of care. Communicating with patients and the
care team would be a key part of the role, which would also
include receiving and discharging patients. Cadet nurses work
in all general wards, theatres, paediatrics, oncology, ophthalmology,
ENT or nephrology. You should also expect to work on a brief
placement in community care and learning disability care.
As part of the cadet nursing scheme for two years you would
spend two days a week at college undertaking the BTEC National
Certificate in Health Studies (Science). This is the equivalent
to two A-levels.
What skills and qualifications are
needed?
The cadet nursing scheme is not intended for those who have
the entry requirements for nursing training (5 GCSEs at C
grade). If you have 3 GSCEs at C grade you would be eligible
for cadet nursing. Alternatively, if you have a GNVQ Intermediate
in Health & Social Care (with Merit) or a BTEC 1st Diploma
in Care (with Merit) you could also gain entry to the scheme.
It is important that you have a good basic grounding in English,
maths and science and that you have good communication and
IT skills.
What type of person will fit in?
Someone with a caring approach, who enjoys being with people,
is patient, polite, trustworthy, works well as an individual,
but also in a team, who enjoys taking responsibility and is
keen to learn. You should wish to move on to nurse training
at the end of the two-year course.
What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
As a cadet nurse, your college course fees would be paid for
by the Trust, so this is an excellent way to earn while you
learn. The course is the equivalent of an alternative A-level
course which is acceptable in a range of further and higher
education establishments. It allows development of practical
skills and is interesting and personally rewarding. Learning
is supervised and well supported in practice and theory, so
experienced staff are at hand to help if you have problems.
On the minus side, the academic course is challenging and
requires commitment and hard work and the shift work is tiring.
Holidays are set and study days continue over the two year
period
What opportunities exist for career
progression?
Places are available to progress to UEA to undertake the Diploma
in Nursing and up to a year’s reduction in the training
may be applied for on successful completion. The experience
you will gain while working as a cadet may lead the way to
other careers in health services if you develop a particular
aptitude or area of interest.
What can I expect to earn?
The scheme pays a training allowance of £6,000 a year
which does not have to be repaid.
Any hints on getting a job in this
area?
If you are interested in entering nursing as a cadet nurse
you could contact the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
Trust on (01603) 289907 or (01603)
286204. Occasionally, scheme vacancies are advertised
in the recruitment section of local newspapers. You could
also contact your careers offices or City College Norwich
for advice on
entry paths to nursing and the training available.
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