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Prince Charles launches nurse cadet scheme designed to widen access to profession

RCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme offers guided and experiential education 
Donna Kinnair and Prince Charles meet cadets

RCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme offers guided and experiential education 


Dame Donna Kinnair introduces Prince Charles to the first nursing cadets.

The Prince of Wales and the RCN have joined forces to launch a nursing cadet scheme to widen access to nursing careers.

The RCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme aims to inspire young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by giving them opportunities for academic study and hands-on experience in healthcare.

It is being piloted in Wales by 18 cadets aged 16-25, in partnership with the Army Cadet Force, with a view to being adopted UK-wide.

The scheme combines 105 hours of guided and experiential learning with clinical observational placements in the cadets’ local area.

Huge opportunities

Prince Charles launched the scheme with RCN general secretary Dame Donna Kinnair at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant, on Tuesday. 

Professor Kinnair said: 'Nursing requires dedication and a strong sense of public service, but it offers huge opportunities for people from all walks of life to make a difference.

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'This scheme will give some of our finest young people, especially those from less privileged backgrounds, a taste of what they can offer our profession – and what it can give them in return.'

Stepping stone to a career

Once cadets complete the foundation phase, they are guaranteed an interview for a healthcare support worker position. 

Following completion of the foundation programme and, depending on education level, cadets will be eligible to undertake further study on a two-year diploma programme. 

Finally, cadets who achieve the RCN diploma will be guaranteed an interview for a nursing degree programme at a Welsh university.


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