New initiative represents widening access for entry into nursing in Wales

Helen Whyley, Director RCN Wales, said: “RCN Wales welcomes this announcement of an additional route in to nursing for Healthcare Support Workers. The Open University has been delivering pre-registration nursing successfully in others areas of the UK for many years. This programme widens access and offers an opportunity for students to remain in employment whilst learning. The programme meets the Nursing and Midwifery standards with students completing the same competencies as any nursing student across the UK. However we expect for these students to still have access to peer support and learning as part of their learning."