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Nursing Cadetship Programme – March 2026
The Nursing Cadetship Programme ran from 9–13 March 2026 and provided students with an immersive insight into the role of a Nurse within an acute NHS Trust. The programme combined hands-on ward experience with structured teaching sessions delivered by education, clinical and specialist staff.
A total of six students took part in the programme and completed an evaluation at the end of the week. Feedback highlights the significant positive impact of the cadetship on students’ understanding of nursing roles, confidence within clinical environments and future career aspirations.
Programme Impact
Increased Understanding of Nursing
Before starting the cadetship, students reported varying levels of understanding of the nursing role, with most rating their knowledge as Satisfactory or Very Good. Following the programme, all participants rated their understanding as either Very Good or Excellent, with the majority selecting Excellent.
This demonstrates a clear improvement in understanding and reflects the value of combining real clinical exposure with structured learning.
Positive Clinical and Learning Experience
Students reported that placements were well organised, relevant and supportive. Ward teams were praised for their friendliness and willingness to involve students appropriately in patient care activities.
Teaching sessions, including infection control, moving and handling and ‘A Day in the Life of a Healthcare Assistant’, were described as engaging, informative and practical, helping students to better understand day-to-day clinical responsibilities
Career Inspiration
All students stated that the Nursing Cadetship helped them to meet their objectives and supported informed decision‑making about future careers within the NHS. Many described the experience as reinforcing their desire to pursue patient‑centred care and clinical roles.
In Summary
The March 2026 Nursing Cadetship Programme was a highly positive experience for participants, strengthening understanding of the nursing profession, building confidence in clinical settings and encouraging future career pathways within the NHS.
March 2025
The Staff Development and Apprenticeship Team welcomed ten students from Chesterfield College to join their Nursing Cadet Programme for March 2025.
Feedback from the week is attached on the right.
NHS Cadets is a new scheme created in partnership with the NHS providing opportunities to explore roles in healthcare. It is aimed at young people who are from communities currently under-represented within the NHS and St John Ambulance.
The programme offers young people courses to develop their leadership and communication skills, health awareness sessions, and insight into volunteering in the NHS.
The initiative is seeking young people who might not have previously considered a career in healthcare.
To apply, please request an application pack via the Work Experience Team (crhft.
The next programme will run from w/c 03/03/2025, please apply online using the link at the opening page on the website.
Nursing Cadet Programmes helps young people develop their skills and support them towards a career in nursing with an interactive experience.
You'll gain:
- Observational clinical experience, watching nursing staff in action
- An understanding of how to pursue a role in nursing
- A certificate you can share with potential employers to help you stand out from the crowd
- The opportunity to meet other young people interested in caring for people with health needs
- The chance to become an ambassador and inspire future cadets
Although subject to possible alteration, the table below outlines a typical Nursing Cadetship Programme schedule with some of the interactive activities and sessions which are delivered as part of this programme, including two shadowing days on the ward.
|
Day |
Time |
Activity |
|---|---|---|
|
Day 1 |
9am-11am |
Welcome and introductions:
|
| 11am-1pm | A day in the life of a Health Care Assistant:
|
|
| 1pm-2pm | Lunch | |
| 2pm-4pm | Care and recognition of the deteriorating patient:
|
|
| Day 2 |
9.30am-10am |
Infection Control |
|
10am-10.30am |
Fire Safety | |
|
10.30am-11.30am |
Break | |
|
11am-11.45am |
Safeguarding | |
|
11.45am-12.45am |
Lunch | |
| 12.45pm-3pm |
Vital signs:
|
|
|
Day 3 |
9am-4pm | Moving and Handling |
|
Day 4 |
7.45am-1.30pm |
On wards |
|
1.30pm-3pm |
Debrief | |
|
Day 5 |
7.45am-1.30pm |
On wards |
|
1.30pm-3pm |
Debrief:
|
Paediatric Nursing Placement
A great opportunity to join the team for four days in Children's Outpatients to see face to face what a career in Child Nursing could involve, interact with patients and their families and support your University application.
For a paper application form, please email crhft.workexperience@nhs.net.
You can also fill out the digital form.
Placement outline may include:
- Communication with children and their families
- Observing the taking of observations being performed and recorded
- Observing venepuncture and the need for distraction
- Working with the multi-agency team by observing clinicians in clinics and on our children’s ward (Nightingale)
To apply, applicants must:
- Be over the age of 17
- Hold a current DBS (a criminal record check)
- Be able to attend the one-day induction prior to attending the three-day programme
A career in nursing...
