Royal College of Nursing cadet graduates as a mental health nurse
4 March 2024
Luke Hazell graduated from Cardiff University as a Registered Mental Health Nurse having started his nursing journey in the first cohort of the Royal College of Nursing's (RCN) Cadet programme. He becomes the first RCN Cadet to graduate and start work as a nurse.
The RCN POW Cadet Scheme gives young people, aged 16-24 an insight to careers in nursing. The scheme works with youth organisations, education, and health providers to give young people both academic and practical experience of health careers. The aim is to show young people that careers in the NHS are accessible to them.
Professor Dave Clarke, Head of RCN POW Cadet Scheme said:
We are incredibly proud to see Luke graduate as a registered mental health nurse. He is a great role model to every RCN cadet who follows in his footsteps on their own journey into the working world. It is testament to him that he continues his involvement with the RCN cadet scheme acting as an ambassador as part of the RCN cadet alumni.
The scheme offers students:
- 20 hours of observational clinical experience, watching nursing staff in action
- an understanding of how to pursue a role in nursing
- a certificate to share with potential employers to help stand out from the crowd
- the opportunity to meet other young people interested in caring for people with health needs
- the chance to become an ambassador and inspire future cadets
Luke Hazell, former RCN Cadet, and Cardiff University graduate said:
I applied for the RCN Cadet scheme after finding a passion for first aid and wanting to pursue healthcare, but I was unsure where to start. I loved it, even though it was a bit daunting being the only man on the scheme, but I felt right at home with everyone and received as much support as I needed. The scheme helped me hit the ground running when I started my degree and gave me confidence for my first clinical placement. I hope to progress my career into a charge nurse or working with Head Room, an early intervention psychosis team, and eventually working either part time or full time as a nursing lecturer!
Luke's achievement is testament to what is possible and will encourage others to investigate careers in health. Find out more about The RCN Nursing Cadet Scheme and the Bachelor of Nursing (Mental Health) (BN) now.