Work would be in addition to the required placement and study time.
Student nurses in England have been asked to support the COVID-19 vaccine programme as the number of Omicron cases in the UK rises.
Last week it was announced that a booster dose of the vaccine would be offered to all adults by the end of January 2022.
A letter sent to student nurses this week from Health Education England Chief Nurse Professor Mark Radford and Chief Nursing Officer Ruth May calls upon them to take up bank work to support the vaccine rollout.
Any work would be “in addition” to the required placement and study time.
Consider registering with the Bank.
It reads; “Since the beginning of the pandemic healthcare students across England have made a significant contribution to the national response at time of unprecedented need. Thank you all for your extraordinary hard work, dedication, skills and commitment and for your continued efforts in the weeks and months ahead.”
“We know that many of you are already working on the Bank, with your local NHS organisation’s Staff Bank, but for those of you who have not already done so, we are asking you to consider registering with the Bank and take up paid opportunities in support of this vaccination programme. ”
“Registering with the Bank may provide you with opportunities to supplement your income during your studies, while giving you valuable experience and understanding of working in a healthcare environment which could enhance your studies.”
It goes on to clarify that any work should “not affect” a student studies, “is aligned to the employment guidance” of universities, and “should not be in an area (for example ward or clinic) in which you are currently undertaking a placement”.
learning should not suffer.
Responding to the letter, Nicola Ashby, the Royal College of Nursing’s Head of Professional Learning and Development, said: “Nursing students have supported health and social care services throughout the pandemic despite disruption to their studies.
“Their learning should not suffer any further disruption and any request for them to support vaccination services must take this into consideration.”
Students wanting to participate in the scheme are encouraged to find a local contact.
