The King celebrates 1,000th nursing cadet as scheme renamed in his honour
His Majesty The King reiterated his commitment to support young people to get into nursing by attendeding 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 earlier this month, 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 per cent 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.
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Professor Nicola Ranger 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 health care.
“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 health care environment.
RCN staff deliver the programme in partnership with youth organisations, education providers and health providers. It provides an amazing opportunity for young people.