New nursing development programme launched at UHDB
The first cohort of Health Care Assistant (HCAs) students have enrolled onto a new MSc Nursing Degree Apprenticeship at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton.
Launched as a direct route into becoming a qualified nurse, the new development programme plans to employ students who will both study and work at the Trust.
Talking of the collaboration with Derby University, Barbara Day, Lead Nurse for Professional Development, highlighted the significance of offering a master’s level apprenticeship at UHDB where career progression is key.
She said: “It’s really exciting and we’re confident that we will be able to deliver and offer many more development opportunities in this way to our colleagues. We will become the employer of choice in our region, through programmes like this, showing that we consider and care about career progression.
“This programme also offers those who can’t afford the cost of university, a way to access a degree qualification in nursing.”
Nursing qualifications are traditionally offered over a three year period at undergraduate level. However, these students have already received an undergraduate degree in the relevant field so have fast tracked onto a two year course.
Those in the first cohort talked about their reasons behind applying; Isaac Mtambalika, HCA and student nurse, said: “I have worked as a HCA for over 11 years, so I have a good background in health care to take on this opportunity and develop my skills further. I am also ready for a new challenge.”
Rachael Bullivant, student nurse supporting the Macmillan unit for over a year, said: “Working through the pandemic hasn’t scared me away it’s made me more resilient. UHDB have always supported me and I have made friends for life here, so it was only natural to continue working here.”
Josie Bates, student nurse who recently completed her Biomedical Science course, said: “I did some work in a lab which was interesting but I decided I wanted to do something more people focused – so I enrolled on this course.”
Cody Lynch, student nurse and Health and Social Care graduate, said: “When my Grandma took ill I was always in and out of hospital so that’s where my interest of nursing came from. I’m looking forward to what the next two years bring with this programme to become qualified.”
Having a development programme exclusive to UHDB staff will only strengthen the link between UHDB and its colleagues.