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Introduction
This leaflet describes the procedure that has been put in place to implement an arrangement to ensure that every newly qualified nurse and midwife who wishes to work in NHS Scotland receives an offer of employment. The intention is that every exiting student nurse or midwife who fulfils the eligibility criteria set out below, receives the offer of a job either through their own means or with assistance. The Scottish Executive has developed this guidance in full partnership with the representatives of NHS operating divisions and Boards, universities, and the professional organisations of the RCN, RCM and UNISON. The guarantee is one of the recommendations in the Facing the Future report.
The guarantee is based on the normal recruitment process, whereby the majority of newly qualified nurses and midwives secure a job through their own efforts informed by their career aspirations and their choice of location. The guarantee is designed to ensure that all newly qualified nurses and midwives have the opportunity to build on the clinical experience gained during their pre-registration programme.
If, after trying to obtain suitable employment, the nurse or midwife has been unable to secure a job in their part of the register or geographical location, and if they wish to take advantage of the national scheme, they should contact NHS Education for Scotland, who will issue them with a list of contacts for operating division vacancies in Scotland. These vacancies will offer at least a one-year contract of employment.
Of course, neither Scottish Ministers nor NHS Education for Scotland will be employing the newly qualified staff. On taking up one of these jobs, they will be employed by NHS Boards/operating divisions in NHS Scotland the same as they would be if they had secured a job independently. The Scottish Ministers will be ensuring that NHS Scotland does its best to offer them suitable posts.
The posts will be offered under Whitley Council Terms and Conditions of Service, subject to the usual checks which will be made regarding suitability for employment for both permanent and fixed-term contracts. Post holders will also be subject to the same professional Codes of Conduct and behaviour that apply to all nurses and midwives who work in NHS Scotland. Where the individual chooses to resign from their post or where there is a breach of contract which results in termination of employment in accordance with employment law, the one year guarantee will no longer apply.
Eligibility
All newly qualified nurses and midwives who are registering to practice for the first time with a date of registration between 1 September 2005 until 31 August 2006 are eligible to join the national scheme. However, newly qualified nurses and midwives will be expected to be applying for jobs whilst awaiting registration and may be asked to provide written evidence of this. Before they can take up employment as a staff nurse or midwife they must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council ( NMC). A nurse or midwife can defer joining the national scheme for up to 3 months after they become registered with the NMC. Only in exceptional circumstances will this period be extended.
What is expected of students/newly qualified nurses or midwives?
During the last 3 months as a student, they are expected to explore all employment opportunities. Thus, before contacting NHS Education for Scotland for a list of contacts they will be expected to have pursued posts of their choice through the normal recruitment process and be able to demonstrate this before choosing to join the one-year job guarantee arrangement. They may be asked to provide written evidence such as copies of application forms.
To join the national scheme
To join the national scheme they should contact NHS Education for Scotland
by post 66 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 2NN
by telephone 0131 220 8661
by email careers@nes.scot.nhs.uk
And quote the one year guarantee arrangement.
They will be required to provide the following information:
a) Full name
b) Date of birth
c) Date of registration if available
d) PIN number
e) Course completed and date
f) Institution attended
g) Address for correspondence, including email address and fax if available
h) List of posts unsuccessfully applied for
The national scheme will provide contact information for operating divisions vacancies. They will need to follow up these vacancies with the employing operating divisions through the normal application process.
It may not always be possible for the newly qualified nurse or midwife to find a post that exactly meets their preference and they may have to adapt their expectations in light of employment availability.
What is expected of the Scottish Executive?
The Scottish Executive will enable this guarantee to be met in partnership with the representatives of NHS operating divisions and Boards, NHS Education for Scotland, universities, and the professional organisations of the RCN, RCM and UNISON. The effectiveness of the arrangement will be evaluated through the Facing the Future Implementation Group. Once a written offer of employment, which will last for at least one year has been received, the Scottish Executive will consider the guarantee to have been met, unless there are exceptional circumstances where assistance will continue until such time as an offer is made.
What is expected of Higher Education Institutions?
Universities should encourage students to begin seeking employment at the earliest opportunity and should provide support in application form technique and interview skills in the latter stages of their training. Many Higher Education Institutions ( HEI) invite local NHS operating divisions and NHS Boards to attend recruitment fairs timed during the students' last 3 months of training, and this is to be welcomed and encouraged. Staff in HEIs should be familiar with the one-year job guarantee arrangement and work in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland in the exchange of information on the newly qualifying nurses and midwives in their establishment.
What is expected of employers?
NHS Boards are expected, as much as possible, to take appropriate steps to fill suitable vacancies with newly qualified nurses and midwives. They should be familiar with the one year job guarantee arrangement and work in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland in the exchange of information on vacancies.
NHS operating divisions are expected to adopt best practice in the support and mentorship arrangements available in their operating divisions for all newly qualified nurses and midwives. NHS operating divisions should ensure that all fixed-term contracts have a start and end date and contain the same core contractual terms and conditions of employment as permanent staff in line with the legislative framework.
It is anticipated that most students will want full-time employment, however, some may prefer part-time options to suit their particular circumstances.
Employers should take reasonable steps to help the nurse or midwife to find a permanent post during the one year period of employment.
Employment Model for Newly Qualified Nurses & Midwives
Frequently asked questions
1. Do I have to join the one year guarantee?
No, the choice is entirely yours. If you find a post through the normal recruitment process, or if you choose not to work in the NHS following registration, then there is no need to apply to join.
2. When do I join the one year guarantee?
Once you have completed your pre-registration training and are registering with the NMC, you can apply to join the national scheme. You will be expected to demonstrate that you have already taken reasonable steps to secure a permanent post.
3. How will I be asked to demonstrate that I have taken reasonable steps to secure a permanent post?
You may be asked to provide written evidence such as copies of application forms, letters and/or details of other contacts.
4. Can I delay joining the one year guarantee?
You must join within 3 months of becoming registered with the NMC. Only in exceptional circumstances will this period be extended. Remember, if the period is extended, you will still have been expected to have taken reasonable steps to secure a permanent post through your own efforts.
5. What if I can't find a job that fits my needs?
NHS operating divisions will continue offering you up-to-date lists of vacancies until you are successful in finding a job. Remember, that there may be a need to reconsider particular preferences as time goes on.
6. When does the one year guarantee start?
The year starts as soon as you have accepted and taken up the post being offered to you.
7. Will I have the same terms and conditions as any other employee?
Yes. You will be employed under Whitley Council Terms and Conditions of Service on the grade that is commensurate with the post and your experience. You will be subject to the same professional Codes of Conduct and behaviour that apply to all nurses and midwives who work in NHS Scotland. You will have the same opportunities for Continuous Professional Development including any existing preceptorship/mentorship programmes for newly qualified members of staff. If you choose to resign from your post or where there is a breach of contract which results in termination of employment in accordance with employment law, the one year guarantee will no longer apply.
8. Do I have to complete the one year employment period?
No. Although there is no requirement for you to complete the whole year, for it to be a period of consolidation for you and to get most benefit, it may be helpful to do so. It is not intended that the guarantee is transferable across employers, which means that if you move elsewhere the one year term only applies to the first, and not to the new, job.
9. What happens at the end of the year?
It is anticipated that by the end of the year you will have secured a permanent post of your choice although this cannot be guaranteed.
Support for Newly Qualified Nurses and Midwives
NHS Education for Scotland is introducing a one-year national development programme for all newly qualified nurses and midwives employed in NHS Scotland. The programme aims to help newly qualified staff make the transition from student to full member of the health care team by supporting their learning and building their confidence during the first 12 months of employment.
Using new technology, as appropriate, the programme will help nurses and midwives develop skills for lifelong learning and by offering the option of rotational placement experience, will help these new health care professionals plan a rewarding career in NHS Scotland.
Extra Support for Newly Qualified Nurses Employed Directly into Primary Care
In the autumn of 2005, about 40 newly qualified nurses will be employed directly into primary care posts around Scotland and take part in a NES Development Initiative. These 40 nurses will undertake the Newly Qualified Development Programme described above but will also be supported in their first year by a specially tailored mentorship programme which aims to consolidate skills and provide opportunities to experience exciting new ways of working as the NHS responds to current health care needs.
Building on the experiences of this initiative, it is anticipated that there will be increasing opportunities for new nurses to find employment in primary care organisations over the next few years.