Bridging the Gap: Evaluating the Impact of the Pilot Phase of the RCN Wales Healthcare Connect Programme for Nursing

Aim of paper
The aim of this paper is to discuss the evaluation of the pilot phase of the RCN Wales Healthcare Connect Programme for Nursing, which seeks to support the transition of non-traditional learners into undergraduate nursing programmes. By employing a mixed methods approach, the study investigates the experiences and challenges faced by participants while assessing the programme's impact on their confidence, resilience, and readiness for nursing roles. Additionally, it identifies areas for improvement and makes recommendations for future programme expansion to enhance access and diversity within the nursing workforce in Wales, ultimately addressing the critical staffing shortages in the NHS.

Abstract
The NHS in Wales has faced significant staff shortages since COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in nurses leaving the permanent register in 2022-2023 and approximately 2,500 vacancies in nursing, midwifery, and health visiting roles. (1, 2) There has also been a decline in applications for nursing courses. (3) In response, Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) launched the RCN Wales Healthcare Connect Programme for Nursing, aimed at supporting aspiring nurses who may not meet traditional academic requirements by offering a six-month paid Healthcare Support Worker role alongside educational preparation for a nursing degree. (4) A pilot programme ran from October 2023 to March 2024.
To conduct the evaluation, a qualitative design was employed, using two focus groups (n=6 learners) and online semi-structured interviews with facilitators from USW, HEIW, and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (n=6). Data analysis involved generating unabridged transcripts and conducting thematic analysis supported by NVivo 12 software. Coding was conducted, and the themes and sub-themes were identified, achieving data saturation. (5)
The analysis identified four themes and associated sub-themes:

1. Challenges in Meeting Required Grades: Learners faced academic, personal, and external barriers affecting their ability to meet the programme's educational requirements.
2. Impact of the Programme: Learners experienced increased confidence and resilience, benefitted from practical and theoretical learning alongside strong support and guidance.
3. Programme Challenges and Improvement Areas: The need for better theoretical and practical training, improved communication between stakeholders, and ongoing support for learners was highlighted.
4. Ambitions and Aspirations: This theme focused on students' future goals and the ongoing development of the programme.

The RCN Wales Healthcare Connect Programme for Nursing addresses critical challenges in nursing education and workforce development in Wales. While the programme has shown significant benefits, including enhanced practical and academic preparation, areas for improvement such as enhanced training, clearer communication, and broader stakeholder involvement have been identified.

Learning outcomes
The evaluation of the pilot phase of the RCN Wales Healthcare Connect Programme for Nursing highlighted the crucial role of the programme in supporting non-traditional learners as they transition to nursing roles. Learners reported enhanced confidence, reduced anxiety, and appreciated the practical experience provided. Both learners and stakeholders advocated for the programme's expansion, emphasising its potential to diversify the nursing workforce in Wales. Although several recommendations were made to improve programme delivery, the RCN Wales Programme for Nursing stands out as an innovative and inclusive solution that engages non-traditional learners from diverse life pathways while addressing critical NHS workforce shortages.