Organisers hope it will play an important role in growing the future NHS workforce by giving students a route from college through to registered nurse status.
Around 60 T-level students are being equipped with clinical skills, prepared for work placements and given support to apply for nursing degrees. They will also be involved in hands-on sessions at Staffordshire University’s Centre for Health Innovation at different points throughout their college studies.
Students will experience the centre’s ‘simmersive’ teaching, using cutting edge interactive mannequins in simulated clinical environments. They will also receive careers advice and guidance from University staff, along with practical experience in real hospital settings for their course placements.
The project has brought together Staffordshire University, City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, Stoke-on-Trent College, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group and the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) NHS Trust.
Louise Hulme, a Nursing Lecturer at the University, described it as a “fantastic opportunity” to support students who are taking the Adult Nursing pathway for their Health T-levels.
She said: “We plan to incorporate skills and simulation, which will include topics such as infection prevention, wound management, undertaking and recording physiological interventions, moving and handling, and basic life support.
“T-level students will experience skills and simulation in the same way our current undergraduates do, which includes pre-brief and debrief to ensure they feel fully supported and equipped. The academic team will also support T-level students prior to attending placements at UHNM, and post-placement, by providing clinical supervision sessions.”
The first group of Staffordshire Nurse students were recruited last month, with the scheme set to run every year.
So far, they have taken part in one session at the University’s Stafford campus, where they were also given a tour of the health education facilities. Features include a giant immersive learning space and training suites used to simulate a hospital ward, operating theatre and A&E.
University staff will also deliver some specialist sessions in the colleges to complement the main T-level curriculum. Students will remain part of the Staffordshire Nurse scheme for the duration of their college studies.
Hannah Beard, the Curriculum Lead for T-level Health at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, said it offered students early access to a university experience.
She added: “They’ve gained insight into what a student nurse at Staffordshire University will experience out on placement in Staffordshire and in University. It shows students the possible pathways into their chosen field and will build confidence and knowledge of how they can progress into nursing.
“We hope it will build resilience, understanding and passion for a career in nursing.”
Phil McPherson, Assistant Principal of City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, said: “As a college, we are really excited to be part of this programme and look forward to supporting the pipeline of talented health professionals into their future careers.”
The students will receive a range of careers help, including feedback on their UCAS personal statements. They can choose whether they want to apply for one of the range of nursing degrees at Staffordshire University or at another institution.
The Staffordshire Nurse pathway gives this future generation of nurses a competitive edge when taking their next steps.