His Majesty The King reiterated his commitment to support young
people to get into nursing today as he attended a special event
to relaunch the Royal College of Nursing Prince of Wales Nursing
Cadet scheme, now the Royal College of Nursing King's Nursing
Cadets.
At the RCN's UK HQ today His Majesty met cadets from across the
UK, including the 1,000th to progress through the programme. In a
series of practical learning scenarios, cadets demonstrated some
of the skills they have acquired to His Majesty.
Harrison Rigby, the 1,000th cadet to take up the programme,
said:
"Hearing I was the 1,000th cadet was a bit of a shock but I'm so
excited to represent cadets from across the UK and talk about my
experience. Meeting the King and receiving a certificate is a
moment I will never forget.
“I have really enjoyed the programme, especially the hospital
visit which was eye opening. I am definitely planning a career in
health and the cadet programme has helped a lot."
His Majesty, who is also the patron of the College, has supported
the RCN nursing cadet programme since it was created in 2019, and
to date 1,156 young people have completed or are currently
undertaking the programme. In a new survey, 56% of cadets or
Alumni who responded confirmed they have gone on to further
education or now work in nursing or health related
fields.
The event at RCN's UK HQ in London also marked the rebrand of the
programme from the Royal College of Nursing Prince of Wales
Nursing Cadets to the Royal College of Nursing King's Nursing
Cadets as His Majesty continues his invaluable
support.
Professor Nicola Ranger, Royal College of Nursing Chief
Executive & General Secretary said:
“We are delighted to have been joined by His Majesty as we rename
the cadet scheme and celebrate our wonderful cadets from across
the UK. Nursing is an incredible career and the support of His
Majesty has inspired young people to begin their journey working
in healthcare. We look forward to building on the strength of the
programme, with the continued support of His
Majesty.”
The programme which was piloted in Wales now also runs at
selected locations across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The programme provides young people aged between 16 and 25 the
skills and knowledge to support them towards a career in
nursing.
Cadets undertake 40 hours teaching and learning experience plus
20 hours clinical observation in a healthcare environment. RCN
staff deliver the programme in partnership with youth
organisations, education providers and health providers. It
provides an amazing opportunity for young people.
