Nursing associates at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust
Michelle Hoole, Project Lead (Nurse) NQN System Rotations Programme, talks to us about implementing the NA role through tailored learning.
2022 marks the first revalidation year since the nursing associate (NA) role was introduced. So we have spoken to a variety of employers and NAs from across England to find out how the role was adopted and continues to develop as an integral part of the NHS workforce.
Derbyshire Community Health Services and Derbyshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (DHCFT) are now well known for their TNA programme and TNA apprentices have been supported since 2018 across both organisations. We are proud to now have two TNA intakes a year: March and September.
To help implement the role, we’ve developed a learning pathway which includes four workshops a year, as well as virtual learning support, and a focus on staff wellbeing and continual support. All TNAs undertake the workshops and receive a certificate to show their completion. The workshops include sessions such as coaching, sepsis, clinical skills, mental health, learning disability and medication administration.
Prior to the two TNA recruitment intakes we hold engagement events, the wider workforce team offer support for individuals who are interested in applying, providing training sessions on application and interview techniques. We encourage applications from within the trust, particularly internal Band 2, 3 and 4 staff.
Apprenticeship TNA opportunities are fantastic, at one time individuals may have faced financial and academic barriers accessing a university education. They can now gain a qualification whilst working and gaining practical experience.
You can read more about this here.