QNI CNEN Member Leads Trailblazer to Develop DN Apprenticeship Standard

‘The Institute for Apprenticeships have this week announced that they have agreed the submission for the development of an apprenticeship standard for the role of District Nurse.

As the Chair of the Trailblazer group I am delighted that this decision has been reached and would like to thank the members of the group including the crucial input from The QNI and Dr Crystal Oldman CBE for their help and support in getting to this stage.

There is hard work ahead to develop the apprenticeship standard but this announcement secures the future of this crucial role. In addition the Institute have said that the development of other specialist Practitioner apprenticeships for example, practice nurse, community children’s nurse will be possible under a potential hub and route model of apprenticeship development.’

‘This is an historic moment for patients, families and carers in our communities. District Nursing has been recognised as a unique occupation requiring preparation for the role utilising education standards within a work-based learning programme.

This provides a fabulous opportunity to raise the profile of the District Nursing service and the highly complex, specialist and advanced practitioner role of the District Nurse, leading a remarkable nurse-led service in the community.

Steph Lawrence has demonstrated outstanding leadership in her role as chair of the trailblazer group and I look forward to working with Steph, the employers and the education leads who have been so instrumental in this significant achievement.’