New-to-Practice Nurse and Nursing Associate Vocational Training Scheme (VTS)
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Is this still available?
In 2024 NHSE announced changes to the national fellowship funding, which funded this programme in our region. For participants who started year 1 in 2024, year 2 will be funded in 2025 as normal. There is currently no funding for a new cohort of the full 2-year VTS programme.
However, due to popular demand, we have adapted the programme to offer a 1-year New-to-Practice Nurse and Nursing Associate Foundation Programme in it’s place, as part of the CPD offer. Full details can be found here: New-to-Practice Nurse & NA Foundation Programme.
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What is the Nurse & NA VTS?
- A programme of teaching and training sessions, funded by NHSE fellowship funding.
- Offers support for practices to employ and train a newly-qualified or new-to-practice nurse or nursing associate.
- Participating practices could access a bursary.
- Eligibility is for nurses and NAs who are newly qualified or new to general practice within 12 months.
A fourth cohort of the New-to-Practice Nursing VTS Programme started in September 2024. Please find information flyer for details about the programme.
In 2024 NHSE announced changes to the national fellowship funding, and are unable to confirm when there will be funding for a further cohort. However, to continue to meet practice needs in light of this, there is now the New-to-Practice Nurse & NA Foundation Programme – this is based on the VTS but is a 1 year programme for both Nurses and NAs. Training is funded to access, but unlike the VTS there is no bursary available.
For any queries relating to either programme, our Programme Lead Deb Smith will be more than happy to help (debra.smith8@nhs.net) or for general queries the team would also be able to help (hnyicb.traininghub@nhs.net). We’re also more than happy to arrange a chat if you have any questions.
How long is the VTS?
Two-year scheme for ‘New to Practice’ General Practice Nurses who are either newly qualified or new to General Practice and in their first year.
One-year scheme for ‘New to Practice’ General Practice Nursing Associates who are either newly qualified or new to General Practice and in their first year.
What’s involved in the VTS?
The focus of the programme is to improve understanding and confidence in the key components of core General Practice Nursing as well as provide peer support and an element of supervision. The attendance equates to a half-day session per week; however, some sessions may be run fortnightly over a full-day and some sessions may be self-directed. The weekly teaching takes place largely virtually but also some face to face when required. The sessions are delivered by a range of professionals including GP Educators, Nurse Educators, Nurse mentors and also provides opportunities for peer teaching and learning.
What funding is available?
The teaching programme is fully funded and participating practices could access a bursary to support release of time for training, and mentorship time.
How can I find out more?
Email – hnyicb.traininghub@nhs.net
Phone – 01482 303986
