Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship - Mental Health Nursing

Job overview

Are you an aspiring Nurse?

The Dorset Integrated Care System (ICS), in partnership with Bournemouth University are offering a unique opportunity for you to become a Registered Mental Health Nurse through the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship.

This programme offers the opportunity for you to gain hands on experience and earn a salary within a three-and-a-half-year apprenticeship programme which will lead to a BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing. For more information on Mental Health nursing, please click here.

We are looking for people who have a passion and a desire to start or further develop their career in nursing in Dorset.  You must be able to demonstrate compassion, commitment and respect in line with NHS values and behaviours as well as flexibility to work across more than employer.

As an apprentice, you will be employed by Dorset HealthCare on a full-time basis (37.5hrs per week). However, you will gain experience of working with a variety of other health and care providers whilst on clinical placements over the duration of the three-and-a-half-year programme. Whilst on placement your shift pattern may include nights, evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Due to the type of programme annual leave is only able to be taken during home base time.

As an apprentice, you will typically have one day per week as dedicated study time to attend university, which will be delivered by Bournemouth University on their university campus or via webinar sessions. Please note, timetable structures are subject to change.

In order to progress your application, it is essential that you have:

• GCSE in English and Maths at level C/4 or above (or equivalent e.g., Functional Skills L2) complete at the point of application
• 3 A Level’s at Grade C or above or equivalent, or level 3 study recognised to be sufficient for entry (this may include a full Level 3 apprenticeship or Access to HE Diploma)
• The right to work in the UK
• Have an eligible residency status for apprenticeship funding

Please clearly state ALL qualifications including Maths and English.

Evidence of qualifications will need to be provided prior and evidenced at interview.

To apply for a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, you will need to be aged 18 or over at the start of the programme in September 2025.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Main duties of the job

Before completing and submitting your application form please note:

You may be required to work evenings and weekends and at various locations around Dorset (some of which are not easily accessible by public transport) so you will need to access these sites, please consider this before submitting your application.

It is essential that you have gained the English and Maths qualification at time of application (these are mandatory). If your English and Maths qualification and grades are not clearly stated on the form, we cannot process your application further.

For all other/higher level qualifications please clearly state:

• Subject/Qualification
• Place of study
• Grade/Result
• Year obtained

Applicants waiting for A Level, Level 3 or Higher-Level qualification results are advised to indicate predicted final grades. If these are not clearly stated on the application form, we cannot progress your application further.

Please note, candidates who are successful at shortlisting stages will be required to upload certificates to Bournemouth University before interview invitations will be sent.

For those invited to interview, these will take place in May 2025. If successful, candidates will be required to attend a face-to-face assessment day (date to be confirmed).

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of.

You will be required to undertake a Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression course and it is a condition of your employment that you successfully complete all aspects of this course; if this is not achieved you will not be able to commence working in the post.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job profile.  When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.