Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what pre-training courses exist for people interested in taking up nursing as a profession; what steps he is taking to extend such courses; and if he will make a statement. [110559]
§ Mr. DenhamA number of steps are being taken to extend the accepted entry routes into nurse training. The new model of nurse education that was announced in "Making a Difference" will deliver more flexible career pathways into and through nursing and midwifery education. Initiatives include
909WDeveloping more access courses.The introduction of nurse 'cadet' schemes which lead to individuals being able to achieve the qualifications sufficient to meet the entry requirements to a pre-registration nursing or midwifery course, eg NVQ level 3.Stronger links between vocational training and pre-registration education allowing people to take up a career as a qualified nurse later in life.Expansion of part time and more flexible pre-registration nursing diploma programmes including the development of 'stepping on and off' points on nurse education programmes.Expansion of secondment opportunities for National Health Service employees to access pre-registration nursing and midwifery diploma programmes.
Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that trainee nurses undergo practical experience with patients at an early stage of their training; and if he will make a statement. [110560]
§ Mr. DenhamUnder the new model of nurse education that was announced in 'Making a Difference: Strengthening the nursing, midwifery and health visiting contribution to health and healthcare', steps are now being taken to ensure that nursing students have higher quality and longer placements and the opportunity to start to acquire the necessary clinical skills for practice from the beginning of their programme.