The first cohort of Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) Nursing Associates, registered with the NMC and now, following graduation, have gained substantive posts within the Trust.
The Nursing Associates completed all requirements of their programme with regards to clinical hours worked and skill competency and will play a pivotal part within WWL’s Nursing Workforce.
Seconded from within the Trust to follow a two year programme of learning to gain a Nursing Associate Foundation Degree on qualification, their role is designed to sit between Registered Nurses and Health Care Assistants, to bridge gaps in care.
Amanda Cheesman, Assistant Director of Nursing, said; “Our Nursing Associates have gained experience across the life span covering pre-conception to end of life, and have gained clinical practice exposure in the four fields of nursing: Child, Adult, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health, working both within the community and hospital settings.
“Each one of them has received praise and recognition from colleagues and service users alike, for their contribution to patient care and safety. This has been demonstrated through the prompt escalation of concerns, leading to early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of the deteriorating patients with in their care, and for going the extra mile to ensure that the needs of the patient was always met.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to them for their hard work and dedication during the last two years and, finally, we would like to congratulate all of them on their success.
“We wish them much luck as they embark on the next chapter in their careers here at WWL.”
The Nursing Associates were awarded with certificates, a commemorative frame and fob watch at a special ceremony at the Trust’s Headquarters on Wigan Lane.
At the ceremony, graduate, Antonia Cosgrove, made a presentation about their journey throughout their studies.
Antonia said; “Nobody knew what to expect from the course, or what the road ahead would look like.
“I don’t think there was an area of care that we didn’t learn from and all of us became like family – we picked each other up through our exams and presentations and supported each other over every hurdle.
“We’ve worked along fantastic teams and had guidance from brilliant mentors. We would like to wish good luck to the TNAs of the future.”