Four community Band 5 nurses have successfully completed a new course which was developed in partnership with University of the West of Scotland.

Jacqueline Fox, Mairi Ritchie, Yvonne Marshall and Louise Drury completed the course, which is aimed at new and existing staff nurses that are registered in the adult field of nursing and contains pathways for those aspiring to Band 6 community nursing positions.

Lynn Penman, practice education facilitator, said: “Since the start of the community nursing development framework (CNDF) in Lanarkshire, band five nurses have been supported to complete levels nine and 10 of the framework.

“These four nurses are the first to successfully complete this pathway. By completing the modules within the pathway one of the nurses also achieved her degree.

“Opportunities within the CNDF modular pathway are unique to NHS Lanarkshire. The pathway is bespoke to fit with the requirements of the organisation whilst recognising any previous formal education the staff member has undertaken. “

The options within the CNDF allow staff to make informed decisions in relation to which development programme would suit their individual needs.

On completion of either of the programme, staff are in a position to apply for Band 6 community nursing posts.

Lynn added: “The four nurses who have completed the pathway have since begun Band 6 case holder potions with the community nursing teams. This is a wonderful achievement and a reward for their hard work and commitment to their learning and development.”

For further information on the community nursing development framework, contact Christine Watson at practice.development@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk or 01698 201450.