Foundation Programme
(newly qualified nursing staff)

The Foundation Programme has been developed to enable newly qualified nursing/midwifery staff to gain the required knowledge and skills to develop and move forward in their career progression.

The programme is based upon the Core and Specific dimensions outlined in the Knowledge Skills Frame (KSF) and will provide the basis for pay progression within the bands. It is anticipated staff will complete the Foundation Programme between 12 – 18 months following post registration.

The programme commences with a 6 week introduction, format: 5 day block + 1 day per week for 5 weeks. Upon completion of the introduction course, individuals are guided though the core skills by their mentor / senior nursing / midwifery staff.

Directorate Specific

Over a period of 12 – 18 months we would encourage staff to develop competencies in phlebotomy, cannulation, ECG monitoring and mentorship training, in addition to directorate specific training.

Course overview

The Foundation programme is primarily based on the Core KSF outlines:

· Core Skill: Communication KSF Level 2
· Core Skill: Personal and People Development KSF Level 3
· Core Dimension: Health Safety and Security KSF Level 2
· Core Skill : Quality KSF level 2
· Core Skill: Equality, Diversity & Rights KSF level 2
· Core Skill: Service Development KSF level 2

Nurse and Midwifery training at Kings College and South Bank University commences September each year, with an additional cohort February at South Bank University. The majority of students gain their nurse or midwifery registration in the autumn of their 3rd year, following a 3 year training programme. A detailed mapping exercise of recruitment trends of nursing & midwifery staff suggests a potential of 150 newly qualified staff commencing Autumn 2004 - September, October & November, with a steady flow of approximately 10 -20 commencing each month though-out year.

In order to support this trend, Nursing & Midwifery Practice Development Teams plan to run six programmes concurrently over a six week period, commencing 11th October though to December. The programme will support 10 – 20 places and run on monthly bases.

Aims of the Staff Development Programme

•  To provide a common standard of education and clinical skills to which non qualified, newly qualified and experienced nursing/midwifery staff receive training and undertake clinical procedures
• To promote and maintain a positive learning environment
• Contribute to safer practice, high quality patient care and increased patient confidence
• Demonstrate continued skills development in line with KSF
• Provides a written record of assessment, which can be audited.