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Background Scotland is currently facing a significant nursing workforce shortage, with over 4,000 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) Registered Nurse vacancies reported by the end of 2023 (Royal College of Nursing. The nursing workforce in Scotland 2024. RCN; 2024). Specialist palliative care units have traditionally recruited Registered Nurses with post-registration clinical experience. However, the widening gap in workforce availability prompted the senior nursing leadership at St Vincent’s Hospice (SVH) to re-evaluate conventional recruitment strategies and consider newly qualified practitioners for vacant positions.Aim To ensure safe staffing levels in an 8-bedded Specialist Palliative Care Unit in compliance with the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019, while simultaneously providing structured support and learning opportunities for newly qualified nurses.Method Following extensive discussions on skill mix, clinical safety, and staff development, the following initiatives were implemented:A dedicated ‘Foundation Staff Nurse’ role was introduced, allowing newly registered nurses to apply.A comprehensive induction and probation programme was developed in collaboration with the Education Team.Protected learning time was allocated to enable participation in the national Flying Start Programme (NHS Education for Scotland. Empowering Scotland’s newly qualified practitioners. 2024 [internet]).Bespoke education sessions, based on individual learning needs, were delivered by the multidisciplinary team. Topics included symptom management (led by Medical and Pharmacy teams), as well as communication and spiritual care (delivered by the Family Support Team).Conclusion To date, two nurses have successfully completed the Foundation Staff Nurse programme and progressed to substantive Staff Nurse roles. Five additional participants are currently enrolled. The programme undergoes continuous evaluation and adaptation, with new educational content introduced in response to participant feedback. Recent additions include sessions on Non-Invasive Ventilation and Tracheostomy Suctioning. A participant reflected: ‘ I felt so supported during my Foundation Staff Nurse year. I was encouraged to grow in ways my peers were not afforded the opportunity to.’