An evaluation of taster days to recruit untrained health care staff to pre-registration mental health nurse education within one UK university

Abstract

With a decrease in the amount of college leavers available to recruit to nurse training and a simultaneous increase in demand for nurses, achieving recruitment targets is becoming more difficult. The widening participation agenda has encouraged us to look wider and one very rich area for recruitment is untrained health and social care staff. Some of this group do eventually opt for professional education, but many could take up places sooner, but lack the confidence or the information they need to make informed decisions. The mental health directorate of an NHS Trust (Shropshire County PCT) agreed to fund 2 'Taster Days' for up to 40 untrained healthcare staff. The Trust was keen that this opportunity was offered to value the contribution, continued learning and skills development of their untrained staff. The Taster Days were to be delivered within the Faculty of Health & Sciences of Staffordshire University. The Trust gave permission for their name to be used on advertising materials and in subsequent publication. A literature review highlighted a dearth of material, consequently allowing freedom to develop and trial our own ideas. Current students and student nurse ambassadors (funded by Advantage West Midlands and Stoke Local Strategic Partnership through Full Circle) were involved in developing materials and the delivery of the day. An evaluation of the day and recommendations are included.