The Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA) is for healthcare workers currently employed in a healthcare setting or for those appointed specifically to undertake a registered nursing degree apprenticeship.

Or

For nurses already registered with the NMC who wish to obtain a second registration in another field of nursing, who are currently employed in a healthcare setting or for those appointed specifically to undertake a second registration nursing degree apprenticeship.

The flexibility of the RNDA at the University of Bedfordshire means that apprentices can start the course at various points depending upon their previous level of qualification.

These include:

• BSc (Hons) 3 year degree apprenticeship, for employees with no previous degree or healthcare registration. UCAS points are required for this application.
• BSc (Hons) 2 year or 19 month degree apprenticeship, for employees who already hold a registered nursing associate qualification, or Assistant Practitioner qualification, who wish to become a registered nurse. This can also include RNs who wish to obtain a second registration in a different field of nursing such as RN (Adult) to RN (Mental Health or CYP).

Registered nurses play a vital role in providing, leading and coordinating care that is compassionate, evidence-based, and person-centred. They are accountable for their own actions and must be able to work autonomously, or as an equal partner with a range of other professionals, and in interdisciplinary teams.

In order to respond to the impact and demands of professional nursing practice, they must be emotionally intelligent and resilient individuals, who are able to manage their own personal health and wellbeing, and know when and how to access support (Standards of proficiency for registered nurses).

Apprentices are interviewed jointly by the employer and the University to ensure they clearly demonstrate the required attributes to undertake this programme of study before being offered a place.

BSc Year 1 units include

• Academic Skills Development for Nursing (15 credits)
• Introduction to Nursing Interventions (15 credits)
• Field unit (45 credits)
• Understanding Health (30 credits)
• Exploring Health and Primary Care Services in the community (15 credits)

BSc year 2 units include

• Assessment and Interventions (field unit) (30 credits)
• Field unit (45 credits)
• Exploring Evidence (30 credits)
• Introduction to Public Health (15 credits)
• Apprentices doing the 19 month course take Exploring Evidence (30 credits) and a bespoke field unit (30 credits)

BSc year 3 units include

• Supporting learning (15 credits)
• Field unit (45 credits)
• Law and Decision Making in Medicines Management (15 credits)
• Transforming Care (30 credits)
• Advocacy, Empowerment and Protection (15 credits)

Intakes

Intake dates vary depending how long the apprenticeship will be. The three year apprenticeship starts in September. However, there is an opportunity to RPL.

Level

This is a Level 6 apprenticeship.

Duration

Depending on the apprenticeship route taken, it is expected that most apprentices will complete the qualification within either two or three years. Regardless of which apprenticeship, the programme of study must be completed within a maximum of five years.

Supporting learning

Employers work with the university and the apprentice to provide support throughout the programme. This includes regular attendance at tripartite meetings, monitoring progress and highlighting concerns early, and the provision of supervision, assessment and mentorship in the workplace.

Off-the-job learning

All nursing apprentices at the University of Bedfordshire participate in full time off-the-job training for the duration of the programme, except during the university summer break when they return to their 'home base'.

Support

Each Apprentice will be supported by a named apprenticeship coordinator. These are members of the course academic team who provide personal support specifically for apprentices, in a similar role to a personal tutor. In addition to their personal tutor role, apprenticeship coordinators facilitate the 12 weekly tripartite meetings. They are also the apprentices’ first port of call if they have any queries. Apprenticeship coordinators help apprentices to establish specific learning outcomes and support them to link theory to practice. Apprenticeship coordinators work closely with the clinical staff who are undertaking clinical support and assessment of apprentice.