Nursing cadet scheme
The RCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme gives young members of youth organisations an introduction to potential careers in nursing.
Supported by HRH Prince of Wales, the scheme aims to develop and prepare young people aged 16 to 25 years for life and to support them towards employment in nursing.
About the program
The scheme runs alongside their usual youth organisation activities, combining guided online and experiential learning. This includes learning modules and a clinical observational placement within their local health care region.
Once they have completed this, cadets submit a portfolio of reflection and gain a completion certificate. They are then supported to take decisions on next steps, which can include a level 2 or 3 related diploma, a foundation degree or an undergraduate nursing degree.
The scheme was selected as a finalist for the Nursing Times Awards 2021.
Where it’s running
The scheme is currently running across England and Wales in conjunction with the army cadet forces, combined cadet forces, St John Ambulance Cymru and St John Ambulance England.
We are currently working with RCN Northern Ireland and RCN Scotland to develop the programme UK wide.
Watch our videos
Our videos below give a bit of an insight into the cadet experience.
News and announcements
More information
For more information on the scheme, to get involved as cadet, uniformed organisation, or as a placement provider, please email nursingcadets@rcn.org.uk.
You can also follow us on Twitter at @NursingCadets and Instagram at @rcnpowscheme.
The staff there were very nice and gave me a good insight into their individual roles. I had lots to do like dining with the patients and playing games with them and doing wellness sessions and lots of other stuff.
I was shown how to administer medications and how to take their blood sugar levels which was interesting. All in all it was very eye-opening. Thank you for getting me the placement."
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blog posts
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14 Feb 2023
Supporting the nursing cadet scheme
I am Sam Thomas and I have recently joined the Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme as Scheme Administrator.
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14 Feb 2023
Introducing Prof Dave Clarke
I joined the RCN as Head of the RCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme in November 2022.
