Published on: 7 September 2022

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust have a fantastic opportunity to support the training of those with significant experience of patient support work (2 years minimum) to become Registered Nurses, in conjunction with the University of Sunderland.

The Registered Nursing Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA) offers those with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a patient support role and a understanding of patient care in a nursing environment, an opportunity to train to become a graduate Registered Nurse via the Registered Nurse (Adult) Apprenticeships at the University of Sunderland. The apprenticeship programme combines academic study, student placements whilst retaining employment as a Healthcare Assistant.

 Participants will need to work full time for the duration of the programme, and will be paid a full time salary. Approximately 50% of the programme will be completed as an apprentice nurse and 50% within a Healthcare Support role (usually the person’s existing role) paid at the rate of that role.

 The RNDA programme will commence January 2023 and is a 4 year programme for applicants with a level 3 qualification. For applicants with a Foundation Degree level qualification it is a 3 year programme.

The apprenticeship programme is part of the Trust’s workforce development strategy to add to the supply of nurses by training those with knowledge and experience of support work in adult areas of Nursing, via an apprenticeship degree programme. Those who work in more restricted roles or settings will need to demonstrate their knowledge of nursing in general adult areas, and will be moved to work as a support worker in a different area if selected.

This opportunity is offered with a stringent eligibility criteria.  Applicants must have all of the below and email to us by the Monday 5th October 2022 to be considered:

  • Have worked for the Trust for a minimum of 2 years including any training roles.
  • Applicants must have successfully completed the Care Certificate
  • Applicants must have Level 2 Maths AND English in one of the following:

GCSE minimum grade C/4

Functional skills Level 2

Adult numeracy and literacy level 2

Key skills Level 2

  • Applicants must either hold a permanent 37.5 hour contract with the Trust or commit to a 37.5 hours contract in an identified area determined by workforce need, on commencement of the programme. Please note all applicants must be committed to a flexible working pattern throughout the programme, including nightshifts and weekends.
  • Applicants must have a minimum level 3 qualification in a relevant subject gained within the last 5 years
  • Applicants must be able to evidence all qualifications within a 1 week period upon application. If previous qualifications cannot be evidenced within the timeframe applicants will be withdrawn.
  • Trust pre assessment selection panels will take place in September 2022, with final interviews in conjunction with the University Of Sunderland on Wednesday 12th October, this will be followed by an in person informal meeting at the Education Centre prior to a place being offered.  
  • As this opportunity is offered to support the Trust’s workforce strategy, applicants should expect to be flexible in line with workforce needs, and therefore are not guaranteed to remain in their current base of work.
  • The programme recognises existing competencies and learning gained within a HCA/ Support and is therefore not open to those without significant general adult care experience.

Applications from qualified nurses will not be considered.

Applicants from those currently on apprenticeship programmes will not be considered. The programme does not provide a route into the following nursing fields: Learning Disabilities, Child Branch Nurse or Mental Health.

 

To apply complete and return the expression of interest form and course outline agreement, to stsft.apprenticeships@nhs.net    

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