Hundreds of ARU students join NHS front line
Nursing, Midwifery and Allied health students boost workforce battling COVID-19
Arrangements have been made for more than 400 ARU students to join the NHS front line in the battle against COVID-19, as part of a national initiative.
A total of 133 Adult Nursing and Mental Health Nursing students have recently completed their undergraduate degrees, enabling them to apply for Nursing and Midwifery Council registration and begin employment with partner NHS Trusts,
In addition, more than 300 Nursing and Midwifery students who are in the final six months of their degree are to undertake extended clinical placements with NHS partners, having either completed or scheduled their inductions.
A number of ARU staff have also returned to practice, helping where they can as the country continues to battle coronavirus.
One of them is Melanie Bird, Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery, who is working across various NHS Trusts. She said:
“At what is a difficult time for everyone, it is enormous credit to our students that they have stepped up and made themselves available to help our local NHS Trusts. We will work with our NHS partners to continue to support these, and indeed all of our students, to ensure that they remain safe.
“While it will be daunting for many, this is an unprecedented situation for them to be facing so early in their careers, which will stand them in good stead for the future.
“I commend them all, as well as the ARU staff who have volunteered to return to practice to help. Our communities are so important to us, and we are willing to help in any way we can.”