Posted on: 8 August 2023
CNWL’s first cohort of Nursing Associates have graduated and become fully qualified nurses!
30 graduated, 19 with first class degrees and the rest being awarded 2:1.
Many of the graduates started their journey with CNWL as Healthcare assistants going on to complete their Nurse Associate training and finally completing the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA). They have completed clinical places, worked in their own services and studied at the same time. Helen Collumbine, Clinical Education Lead said, “Juggling work and study to achieve this qualification shows the commitment and determination of all graduates to develop their careers.”
One of the graduates, Audrey Houston Thomas said, “Becoming a nurse has been a dream of mine and a big achievement for my family. I’m proud to be able to contribute to the healthcare system and eager to make a difference to those around me.”
As this is the first group of cohorts, future Healthcare Assistants can look up to them for hope, inspiration and career progression. Being a nurse can take you anywhere, just ask our Chief Exec and Head of Mental Health for England, Claire Murdoch – a mental health nurse.
Another challenge this cohort of, now qualified nurses, had to undertake was the stresses of the pandemic. Not only were they working on wards with patients, they had to adjust to new ways of learning and keep up to date with the latest modules and exams.
Ola Adekoya, gave a speech about his experience of the programme, he said, “I started as a Healthcare Assistant, went through difficulties with family and the pandemic but still, I’m here today as a fully qualified nurse. It’s now time for all us graduates to put the same amount of effort into our work that the Trust has put into us.”
Graduate Akinyele Jaiyeola, said, “It’s been an exciting journey, it took four years to get here. We have become a family, from all parts of the Trust - Milton Keynes, London, we have all supported each other”.
Jenny Stone, National NHS Apprenticeship Relationship Manager praised the partnership between CNWL and The University of West London. “Partners were able to problem solve and have a bunch of lovely people come together to support each other and the students.”
Joanna James, Matron at St Charles Hospital and manager of some of the graduates said, “You can see their personal and professional progression. I can easily see them in Band 6 roles in six months because of how good they are.”
