From FE student to qualified nurse: A case study of National Diploma students as cadets in transition to HE.

During the 1960s Nursing Cadet Schemes were a recognised pathway into nurse training. The concept of the cadet was reintroduced in 1999 in order to improve retention and achievement within the profession to counter a predicted shortfall of trained nurses by 2018. This project investigates the choices and decision-making of young people accessing Higher Education (HE) from a cadet scheme, with the opportunity to 'step-on' to a nursing diploma programme. A case study methodology was employed, with data gathered through semi-structured interviews with Further Education (FE) students studying for a BTec National Diploma in Health Studies. The project follows 21 students, and asks How do FE students go about making choices in relation to 'stepping on' to a nurse education diploma programme in HE and what influences their decisions. The choices available to young people and the influences on their decision-making processes are discussed. Conclusions suggest the family plays a significant role in decisions about FE, although the students themselves appear to make the final decisions about pursuing HE. The significance of the work experience is explored in relation to FE choices, and evidence presented demonstrating the value of clinical placements as the cadets gain confidence and skills in preparation for the transition to HE. The research proposes that students are pragmatic in their decision-making utilising vocational opportunities to help the decision-making processes. A final conclusion proposes that vocational preparation and 'stepping-on' is an appropriate route into nursing for a number of young people and although not suitable for all, should be considered more widely than at present. Recommendations include maintaining cadet schemes and the continuation of widening participation to enable stepping-on, as the preparation of nurses' moves towards an all graduate profession. Further research is recommended to determine if cadet schemes help improve retention and attrition rates of nurses