Nursing Associates get healthy recognition at virtual celebration

Apprentices at the University of Wolverhampton studying for Nursing Associate Foundation Degree Apprenticeships have attended a virtual celebration in recognition of their learning achievements during the challenges of the pandemic. 

61 Nursing Associates have passed the two-year Apprenticeship and will attend graduation ceremonies later this year when lockdown restrictions are lifted. The ‘Virtual Celebration’, which was held on Zoom, was attended by Apprentices and their employers as well as staff from the Institute of Health. 

The Higher Apprenticeship bridges the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver hands-on, person-centred care. The successful Apprentices are now members of the nursing “family” who, as part of their Apprenticeship, can gain a Nursing Associate Foundation Degree and are eligible to apply to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register. 

The role was introduced to help build the capacity of the nursing workforce and the delivery of high-quality care, while supporting registered nurses and wider multidisciplinary teams to focus on more complex clinical duties. 

The University has over 200 Nursing Associate Apprentices working on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic in a variety of healthcare roles for NHS Trusts and Care Homes across the region and further afield. 

Nicky Westwood, Director of Apprenticeships at the University, said: “Now, more than ever, we have seen the importance of upskilling keyworkers who are providing support for nursing teams as they continue to deal with the pandemic across our local communities. 

“Three years after the new qualification was introduced, two Apprenticeship cohorts have successfully reached their end point assessment and will graduate later this year, an amazing achievement for all those individuals who have been inspired to take the opportunity to further their careers in the healthcare sectors.”