HEE reacts to Nurse First programme announcement

Following today’s announcement of a new fast track ‘Nurse First' programme to attract high achieving graduates into a career in nursing, Health Education England have issued the following statement:

Professor Lisa Bayliss-Pratt, Director of Nursing & Deputy Director of Education and Quality, Health Education England said:

I am delighted that HEE will lead work with NHS England and other partners nationally and locally to pilot 'Nurse First'. This exciting programme builds on HEE's Shape of Caring Review. It will form part of the wider nurse education reforms to ensure that registered nurses of the future are educated and trained to the highest possible standards in order to meet the needs of patients and local populations with growing complex needs. Nursing is a brilliant, rewarding career and I am passionate about creating new and innovative recruitment approaches that appeal to the widest possible group of potential recruits building on previous programmes like Nursing Associates, apprenticeships and return to practice.’

HEE will be responsible for delivering the education and training element that is core to the success of the Nurse First programme. It will work with partners to identify the right skills, values and behaviours required in applicants. It will them commission the education and training places with HEI providers and the NHS Leadership Academy and the clinical placements with NHSI that will make Nurse First a reality.