The RCN Cadet Scheme confirmed by desire to become a nurse

I heard about the program through the advertisement posters in Clwyd & Gwynedd HQ Kimnel training camp when I was 13 years old. Unfortunately, I was too young to express my interest but as soon as I became of age and there was an available programme I applied; this was October 2022. 

I knew I wanted to take on some form of a health or social care role as a career but I was unsure of what profession was right for me, so I thought taking part in this scheme would help me decide on my future career path.

We completed the learning element of the course in Merthyr Tydfil where we filled in our workbooks. While I was there, I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the University of South Wales simulation suit and had a talk by university lecturers. This experience was amazing as we were able to use the simulation suit. For various reasons there was a long gap but eventually in August 2023 I was able to attend placement in Wrexham Maelor Hospital on the arrivals ward which is a post-surgical ward.

There, I was able to shadow a range of nurses and they taught me skills such as how to take patients observations, to prepare and fit IV bags, clean surgical scars and fit colostomy bags. I was also able to talk to patients and helped comfort family members in difficult situations. This was an eye opening experience which confirmed my desire to be a registered nurse.

My favourite part of my time as an RCN nursing cadet was being able to get the experience on the placement and get a feel for what hospitals are like; this was an experience I will never forget and I wish more people would take on the opportunity this scheme provides.

The biggest challenge of this was the theory side of it. I am dyslexic so it was very challenging for myself due to the amount of reading and writing that had to be done but I was able to get help from my peers and the instructors on the scheme and persevered through to successfully complete the course.

Completing this programme has had a tremendous impact on me as it confirmed my desire to become a nurse. If it wasn’t for this scheme, I wouldn’t have a clue what I wanted to do. This scheme also enhanced my team working skills and my confidence due to having to work with my peers, and present group work on various different topics.

I am now finishing my Level 3 extended diploma in health and social care which I will complete in June. I am also working as a care assistant in a dementia care home where I have been working there since June last year.

I have applied for a place at the University of the South Wales to study Adult Nursing and I have been accepted with a conditional offer.