Nursing and Healthcare. Undergraduate and Postgraduate Prospectus

Transcription

1 Nursing and Healthcare Undergraduate and Postgraduate Prospectus 2015/2016

2 ii I couldn t recommend The Open University more. You have the flexibility to learn in the manner that suits you, the materials are varied and engaging and the support is unwavering DONNA GOSS

3 1 Life-changing Learning Everything you need to know to start your journey with The Open University (OU) is right here. The launch of the OU changed the landscape of higher education forever. The principle we re founded on that the very highest standard of education should be accessible by the many, not the few still drives everything we do. It s why we re experts in part-time study and why more adults choose the OU than any other university We re experts in flexible, part-time study No-one understands how to help students succeed and make knowledge stick better than us we re the leading expert in flexible higher education. To do what we do successfully, year after year, requires exceptional technology, methods and staff. The way we work, works not least because it s flexible enough to work around you and your life. We re one of the world s finest universities Everything we do is grounded in the research we re internationally famous for OU research changes the world. It s this combination of world-class teaching and research that makes our qualifications so highly respected and our study materials so sought after. We re more local than you think Many people are surprised to learn that there are 400 study locations right across the UK. We also have around 1100 local events each year so why not come and talk to us? You can find your nearest event at We re just a phone call away Students get excellent study assistance from student support teams specialist teams dedicated to helping students successfully complete their modules. Once you are registered as a student, you will have access to these specialist teams. If you d like to find out more, contact our Student Recruitment Team on +44 (0) Students love us It s great to know we re doing things right in the eyes of the people that matter most our students. That s why we re proud that we have achieved over 90 per cent for student satisfaction year in, year out, in the National Student Survey. We think it s a reflection of the unique study experience that we offer. Contents Why study nursing and healthcare with The Open University? Getting started with an Access module 3 Healthcare practice Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice (T01) Foundation Degree in Healthcare Practice (X16)/Diploma of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice (W16) Pre-registration nursing BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Q73) 8 BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing (Q74) 8 Post-qualifying nursing BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Q53) 14 Mentorship 16 OU certificates Certificate in End-of-Life Care (S30) 17 Certificate in Promoting Public Health (S13) 17 Transforming care short courses 18 Postgraduate study Postgraduate Certificate in Advancing Healthcare Practice (C92) Postgraduate Diploma in Advancing Healthcare Practice (E46) MSc in Advancing Healthcare Practice (F52) 20 Contact us Back cover

4 2 Why study nursing and healthcare with The Open University? Whether you are looking to study for professional or personal development, or are an employer considering the development of your workforce, there are many reasons to consider studying with The Open University. Our qualifications are designed so you can fit studying around work and other commitments so they re ideal for busy people who want to enhance their work prospects and careers. They re also rated among the best in the country for teaching quality and are highly regarded by employers. With a record of excellence in teaching and research, we are a leading provider of part-time education for anyone working in or interested in nursing and healthcare. With a long history of providing relevant, career and care-focused qualifications and modules, we continue to innovate and develop in important new areas to meet the changing needs of the healthcare and nursing sectors. Compassionate, person-centred care, skills development, improving patient and service user outcomes and employability are all at the heart of our thinking. By studying with us, you can make a real difference to nursing and healthcare practice. We ll support you on to the next level Whether you re just starting out, want to enhance your skills, or are looking for a recognised qualification, we can help you get ahead in nursing and healthcare. Our qualifications draw on the experience of practising professionals, service users and carers; everything you learn is relevant and can be immediately applied at work which is why so many NHS, independent sector and local authority organisations choose the OU for their staff development. An Open University course in the workplace is good for everyone. It is the perfect way for our trusts to develop their staff. Reasons why you can trust us with your career We re the UK s largest provider of part-time healthcare education. We re the UK s only provider of a part-time, practice-based, pre-registration nursing programme delivered through flexible learning. Our study method is designed to fit around your work, home and family commitments. As well as building your confidence, our qualifications could also help enhance your career prospects. With multimedia learning materials, high quality tutor support and a community of students behind you, you can achieve your goals without putting your life on hold. We help more people get on in nursing and healthcare than anyone else Each year, more than 12,000 people, like you, study with us to enhance the patient/service user experience and develop their career. Whatever level you re at, and wherever you want to go, we can help. If you are a healthcare support worker wanting to enhance your practice or have aspirations to be a registered nurse, or if you are a registered nurse interested in developing your knowledge and skills and completing a degree or postgraduate qualification then we can help you achieve your ambitions. This prospectus provides information about a range of our qualifications and modules that will help you make a real difference to your practice and the patient/service users for whom you care. LINDSAY TURTON, MACMILLAN LEAD NURSE FOR PALLIATIVE CARE FOR HULL AND EAST RIDING

5 3 Getting started with an Access module Increase your confidence, improve your skills, and prepare yourself for further study. The OU offers a range of Access modules that have been specially designed to help you find out what it s like to study with the OU, get a taste for the subjects we offer, develop your study skills, build your confidence, and prepare you for further study towards a nationally recognised qualification. They are perfect for new learners with little or no knowledge or experience of studying and use the same high-quality study materials and study support we re famous for. FACT Students who prepare by taking an Access module are more likely to be successful in their future studies. Is an Access module right for me? Do you have little or no experience of university-level study? Do you want to develop or refresh your study skills? Do you want to increase your confidence about studying? Are you unsure about studying with The Open University? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, and you live in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or have a BFPO address, an Access module may be the ideal starting point for you. You could even study for free If you meet certain criteria you could be eligible to study an Access module for free, for more information see page 4. What kind of support will I receive? You ll have your own personal tutor who will provide regular one-to-one telephone tutorials and support throughout your study, along with providing written feedback on your work. Our dedicated Access support team will help with any general queries about your studies and you ll be able to exchange ideas with other students using our active online forums. How will I be assessed? There aren t any examinations to sit. Instead, there are four short written assignments and a number of online quizzes to complete. What can I study? The following Access modules are linked to one or more qualifications we offer in nursing and healthcare: People, work and society Access module (Y032) This module draws from a range of subject areas: children and young people; health; law; management; psychology; and social science. The module is divided into four blocks, each of which deals with a specific theme: Individuals; Families and relationships; Organisations and communities; and Society. Within each block, you will explore the theme from the perspective or point of view of each subject area, allowing you to develop both your knowledge and your study skills. As a student you will be well prepared for further study on a wide variety of Open University qualifications. We offer two further Access modules which are more relevant to other subject areas: Arts and languages Access module (Y031) and Science, technology and maths Access module (Y033). Continued on page 4.

6 4 Getting started with an Access module When can I start? Access modules start in October and February each year. How much time will I need to study? These modules are studied over a period of 30 weeks and during that time you should expect to spend approximately nine hours per week on your studies. You don t need to attend face-to-face tutorials and can fit your studies around your work and family life. You fix your telephone tutorials at times that are mutually convenient to you and your tutor. What do I need to begin my studies? You ll receive a complete set of study materials in the post. There will be study books and other printed materials, as well as a DVD. All of these materials are included in the fee. You will require access to equipment that plays DVDs, a phone and the use of a computer with internet access. You don t need to rush out and buy a computer as you could use one at a library or drop-in centre. What will I get at the end? On successful completion of an Access module you ll gain an OU Access Module Certificate and will be well-prepared to continue your studies with us. You ll gain valuable knowledge and skills you can apply straight away, at the same time as developing your confidence and giving your CV a real boost. If you choose to study the module as part of a qualification, the credit gained will be in addition to the other credit required for the qualification. How much will it cost? You could be eligible to study your module for free if you meet the criteria set out below. In order to qualify you must: be resident in the UK or have a BFPO address outside the UK (excludes the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) be studying an Access module as an additional preparatory stage towards an OU qualification (doesn t apply if you live in Scotland) What if I don t meet the criteria? The fee you pay is determined by where you are ordinarily resident: If you live in England, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man the fee is 675. If you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales the fee is 230. How can I pay? If you don t meet the criteria for a free place set out below left, there is a range of ways you can pay. Can I pay by student loan? If you live in England or Wales, you may be able to cover the cost of your studies with a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan if you study an Access module as an additional preparatory stage towards an OU qualification (see for further information). What if I want to pay by instalments? You can spread the cost of your studies and pay as you go. Find out more about an account with Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) and the option of paying for your study in instalments at You must be at least 18 years of age and credit is subject to your financial circumstances and status. Are there any other ways to pay? You can pay up front and in full by debit/credit card or by bank transfer. Your next step Click Call our Student Recruitment Team on +44 (0) Request a copy of our Access Module Certificates prospectus from our website have a household income (personal income if you live in Scotland) of less than 25,000 (or be in receipt of qualifying benefits) have not completed any more than one year on a full-time undergraduate programme at NQF Level 4/SCQF Level 7 or above, or completed 30 credits or more of OU study.

7 5 Healthcare practice Health services across the UK have changed significantly over recent years and so has the healthcare support workforce. The number of healthcare assistants/healthcare support workers and assistant practitioners has grown and these staff are now working in highly complex areas and performing increasingly specialist tasks. By studying with the OU you will develop the knowledge and skills to deliver high quality, safe and compassionate care while also gaining valuable qualifications to enable you to progress in your career. You can begin by studying our Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice (T01) and then progress to the foundation degree/diploma of higher education. The qualification descriptions in this section list the modules that are currently available for study. However, as we review our curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time. Key c o Compulsory module Optional module Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice (T01) : 120 Start: Sep 2015 (registration closes 13 Aug 2015) Oct 2015 (registration closes 10 Sep 2015) Feb 2016 (registration closes 07 Jan 2016) This certificate will enable healthcare support staff including healthcare assistants, support workers, aspiring assistant practitioners or aspiring students of nursing to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to underpin effective practice. You ll develop a wide range of practical skills and competencies, while exploring essential biological, social, political, ethical and psychological concepts. You ll also build valuable numeracy, literacy, IT, communication and cognitive skills. As the certificate includes a strong work-based element which includes a supervisor assessing you in your workplace, you must be working to provide direct care or interventions with patients or service users, and have the support of your employer. Career relevance and employability Although this certificate provides no guarantee of promotion in the workplace, it is designed as the first step to prepare healthcare support workers for the role of assistant/associate practitioner or to become a student nurse. Your employer is required to provide a workplace supervisor/mentor who will support and assess you in the workplace. The certificate also prepares you for further academic study (it s the first stage of several other qualifications, including the Foundation Degree in Healthcare Practice (X16) or the Diploma of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice (W16)). If you want to progress to pre-registration nurse education, we offer a unique practice-based pre-registration nursing programme, for which you must be sponsored by your employer. To find out more, see page xx or click Continued on page 6.

8 6 Healthcare practice What you will study Stage credits This certificate consists of two compulsory modules, An introduction to health and social care (K101) and the workbased module, Enhancing your healthcare practice (K117). You ll be introduced to the study of health and social care and some of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for contemporary healthcare practice. You ll consider health and social care in a variety of settings for example, family and community, GP surgeries and hospitals alongside practice-focused study of the factors influencing health in different service user groups. There is a strong focus on personcentred, compassionate care and the development of practicebased skills. Qualification structure Study order as listed. Alternatively you can study these modules concurrently. Stage 1 module summary Compulsory modules 120 credits An introduction to health and social care (K101) c 60 Enhancing your healthcare practice (K117) c 60 Module availability is subject to change. Foundation Degree in Healthcare Practice (X16)/ Diploma of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice (W16) : 240 Start: Sep 2015 (registration closes 13 Aug 2015) Oct 2015 (registration closes 10 Sep 2015) Feb 2016 (registration closes 07 Jan 2016) The healthcare support worker role is increasingly fulfilling and challenging, with exciting new roles emerging particularly if you have the right qualifications and experience. This qualification will help you get ahead by developing the knowledge and competencies needed to deliver high quality, safe and compassionate care. You ll be in a prime position to take advantage of new career opportunities as they arise, and well prepared for further study (for example, towards an honours degree or a professional qualification in your particular area of practice). This qualification has a strong work-based element, for which you must be employed in a relevant healthcare setting, providing direct care or interventions to patients or service users, be supported by your employer and have a workplace supervisor available to support and assess your work-based learning. Career relevance and employability This qualification is designed to promote the development of healthcare career pathways, and to prepare healthcare assistants/healthcare support workers for the role of assistant/ associate practitioner. It is approved within the frameworks for higher apprenticeship in health (assistant practitioner in England). Although it provides no guarantee of promotion, it is particularly relevant for staff working in healthcare support roles who wish to gain a qualification that helps them to enhance their contribution to the multidisciplinary team. As you study, you ll develop valuable transferable skills in teamwork, communication, using IT, information retrieval, numeracy, time management, organisation of self and others, analysis and problem-solving.

9 Healthcare practice 7 What you will study Stage credits Stage 1 comprises two compulsory modules, An introduction to health and social care (K101) and the work-based module, Enhancing your healthcare practice (K117). You ll be introduced to the study of health and social care and some of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for contemporary healthcare practice. You ll consider health and social care in a variety of settings for example, family and community, GP surgeries and hospitals alongside practice-focused study of the factors influencing health in different service user groups. There is a strong focus on person-centred, compassionate care and the development of skills and competencies. Stage credits At Stage 2, the work-based module Extending your contribution to healthcare practice (K236) will help you apply relevant research, policy and practice to your work context. You ll draw on online activities and case studies, exploring the diversity and complexity of people s lives, and their experience of healthcare practice in a range of settings. You ll also study 60 credits of optional modules. You can focus on areas that are most relevant to your role and workplace, choosing from topics that include health and wellbeing, mental health, children and young people, dementia care, end-of-life care, long-term conditions, human biology and sports science. Qualification structure Study order as listed. Modules marked * can be taken in any order. You can also study modules concurrently. Stage 1 module summary Compulsory modules 120 credits An introduction to health and social care (K101) c 60 Enhancing your healthcare practice (K117) c 60 Stage 2 module summary Compulsory module 60 credits Extending your contribution to healthcare practice (K236)* Optional module(s) 60 credits Select from a choice of modules including: Adult health, social care and wellbeing (K217)* Change, strategy and projects at work (T227)* c 60 o 60 o 30 Death and dying (K260) o 30 Dementia care (K235)* o 30 Equality, participation and inclusion (E214)* o 60 Health and illness (K213)* o 60 Human biology (SK277)* o 30 Mental health and community (K240)* o 60 Sport and conditioning science in practice (E217)* The science of the mind: investigating mental health (SDK228)* Working with children, young people and families (K218)* o 60 o 30 o 60 Module availability is subject to change. You may be able to count credit from this qualification towards the BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Q73)/BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing (Q74). If you are considering applying for entry to the BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing and would like to count your study towards the degree, it may be most appropriate to choose the Stage 2 module Human biology (SK277). If you are considering applying for entry to the BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing (Q74) and would like to count your study towards the degree, it may be most appropriate to choose the Stage 2 module The science of the mind: investigating mental health (SDK228).

10 8 Pre-registration nursing The OU works in partnership with healthcare organisations to deliver a part-time flexible pre-registration nursing programme for employed healthcare support workers. If you have already completed the Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice (T01), you may be able to transfer credit into Stage 2 of the pre-registration nursing programme. Our BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Q73) and BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing (Q74) offer practice-based learning routes to qualify as a nurse. So, if you already work in healthcare, this programme will enable you to study towards becoming a nurse while remaining in your job. Sponsored by your employer, you ll study a balance of theory and practice and on successful completion of the programme you will be eligible to apply for entry to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register. The OU is fantastic and its response to and care for its students is amazing. NICOLE BAXTER, STUDYING FOR A NURSING DEGREE, WEST SCOTLAND The qualification descriptions in this section list the modules that are currently available for study. However, as we review our curriculum on a regular basis, the range of modules may change over time. Please note that the pre-registration nursing programme is only available in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Key c o Compulsory module Optional module BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Q73) BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing (Q74) : 360 Start: Sep 2015 (registration closes 13 Aug 2015) 1 Oct 2015 (registration closes 17 Sep 2015) 1 1 Entry to pre-registration nursing is subject to an interview process and meeting minimum entry requirements. Therefore you will need to apply at least four months before registration closes. Please contact us to confirm the application process and dates for 2015 entry. The programme is a unique part-time practice-based learning route to qualification as a registered nurse, in either adult or mental health nursing. It is only available in partnership with employers, who pay the fees and support students in the workplace. You will supported in practice by a mentor who meets the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements. You cannot fund this study yourself. This degree addresses the (NMC) requirements for entry to the nursing professional register, covering the essential concepts underpinning healthcare practice and the required competencies in practicebased contexts. The programme has been approved by the NMC as a recognised route to become a registered nurse.

11 Pre-registration nursing 9 This programme explores the professional context of nursing and healthcare practice; promotion of healthy lifestyles; applied physiology across the life course; evidence-based practice; management and leadership; and service improvement. You ll develop wide-ranging transferable skills with an emphasis on person- and family-centred care; the ability to use information effectively; critical skills needed to evaluate and apply evidence-based practice; and interpersonal skills that meet service users rights to dignity, privacy and compassionate care. Career relevance and employability The learning outcomes for this degree course have been mapped to and fully comply with the NMC standards for pre-registration nursing programmes, and the subject benchmarking statements for nursing. In addition to meeting the NMC competencies, the practice learning part of this degree develops skills that are highly valued in the labour market, including critical analysis, numeracy, literacy, communication, team working, problem solving/solution finding, ICT proficiency, leadership, management and innovation. How the programme works The pre-registration nursing programme is a balance of theory (learning for practice) and practice (learning in practice). The teaching is provided through learning resources and an online learning environment, and students are supported by a network of tutors in both academic and practice settings. In addition to support from tutors, while undertaking practice-based learning students are supported by registered nurse mentors and other registered practitioners. I would encourage any Trust to take on board the opportunity to train students through the OU. GILLIAN ASHWORTH, CLINICAL PLACEMENT FACILITATOR, NORTHAMPTON GENERAL HOSPITAL What you will study Stage credits Stage 1, which is common to both degrees, will provide you with appropriate preparation in healthcare practice and the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to reach progression point 1 (NMC requirement). The online practice-based module Enhancing your healthcare practice (KYN117) will help to support your practice in an everchanging healthcare environment. An introduction to health and social care (KYN101) provides a broad foundation for building the skills required as a practitioner. You ll examine the experience of giving and receiving care in hospitals, clinics or GP surgeries; within the family and community; and in residential settings. Stage credits At Stage 2, you ll study modules in your chosen field of nursing: Adult nursing: Human biology (SKYN277) draws on anatomy, physiology, immunology, biochemistry, and endocrinology to explore the human body in relation to health and disease; how systems of the body interact; how they can fail; and how medical interventions can help. Mental health nursing: The science of the mind: investigating mental health (SKYN228) considers the limitations of the biomedical approach to mental health with its reliance on drug treatment, and how alternative ideas enhance our understanding including the biopsychosocial model. All students will also study two further modules. Principles and skills for nursing practice (KYN237) explores the opportunities and challenges of caring for people with acute and long-term conditions, giving end-of-life care and promoting healthy lifestyles, each set within the context of your chosen field of practice. Exploring perspectives on health and illness (KYN238) enables you to engage critically with a variety of perspectives about health, illness and promotion of physical and mental health across the life course. By the end of this stage, you ll be at progression point 2 (NMC requirement). Stage credits Stage 3 will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to manage confidently, innovate, lead and critically review practice in adult or mental health nursing. Preparing for graduate practice (KYN317), and Exploring practice (KYN316), will enable you to contribute significantly to the work of the multidisciplinary team, and ensure that patients and service users receive care that is compassionate, person-centred and evidence-based. On successful completion of your degree, you ll be ready to apply to the NMC for professional registration as a nurse in the field of adult or mental health nursing. Continued on page 10.

12 10 Pre-registration nursing Qualification structure Study order as listed. Students will normally study the Stage 1 modules concurrently. Students not studying them concurrently will need to take KYN101 before KYN117. For significant periods during the programme more than one module will be studied at the same time. Stage 1 module summary Mental health nursing Compulsory module 30 credits The science of the mind: investigating mental health (SKYN228) both degrees Compulsory modules 90 credits c 30 Compulsory modules 120 credits Enhancing your healthcare practice (KYN117) c 60 An introduction to health and social care (KYN101) Stage 2 module summary Adult nursing Compulsory module 30 credits c 60 Human biology (SKYN277) c 30 Principles and skills for nursing practice (KYN237) Exploring perspectives on health and illness (KYN238) Stage 3 module summary Compulsory modules 120 credits c 60 c 30 Preparing for graduate practice (KYN317) c 60 Exploring practice (KYN316) c 60 Module availability is subject to change.

13 Pre-registration nursing 11 Learning in practice Learning in practice environments is a compulsory element of the degree and is undertaken within a framework of interprofessional and cross-agency working. A key priority is that your practice learning reflects fully the diverse settings in which patients, service users, and their families, experience care. You will have an identified core practice base, usually in your employing organisation. Practice learning pathways, across a diverse range of care contexts and service user groups in both community and in-patient settings, ensure that you are exposed to the breadth and depth of experience required by the NMC. At Stage 1 of the programme, the overarching theme is concerned with developing essential care skills within your intended field of practice. Learning for practice and learning in practice are integrated. By the end of Stage 1 you will practise safely under direct supervision. At Stage 2, you will move to applying person-centred skills across the lifespan and contexts of care, and your level of competence increases to that of practising safely under indirect supervision. And at Stage 3, you will move to demonstrating critical practice with a diverse range of people and communities and move to a level of competence of practising safely independently. Stage 1 Practice module Practising safely under direct supervision Stage 2 Practice module Practising safely under indirect supervision Stage 3 Practice module Practising safely independently Core practice base and complementary/contrasting experiences Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 NMC curriculum hours The programme normally takes just over four years to complete, or three years for students who enter the programme at NMC progression point 1. The programme must be completed within seven years to meet the NMC s requirements for part-time study. In order for students to achieve the NMC standards of education and be eligible to apply for entry to the professional register, the programme is made up of 4750 hours 1 split between theory and practice learning. A variety of health and social care settings is used for practice learning, including the NHS, private, voluntary and independent sectors. The table below outlines the distribution of hours across the programme. Key P T Practice module Theory module Distribution of theory and practice hours Part of programme Modules Theory (hours) Supernumerary practice (hours) Stage 1 Enhancing your healthcare practice (KYN117) P An introduction to health and social care (KYN101) T 600 Stage 2 Principles and skills for nursing practice (KYN237) P Human biology (SKYN277) OR T 300 The science of the mind: investigating mental health (SKYN228) Exploring perspectives on health and illness (KYN238) T 300 Stage 3 Preparing for graduate practice (KYN317) P Exploring practice (KYN316) T 600 Total hours NMC minimum 4600 hours: 2300 hours practice and 2300 hours theory The programme hours are used for: Learning for practice: tutorials, completing module reading and activities, participating in online forums, watching DVDs and other audio-visual resources, completing assignments and personal study. This work may be completed in your own home, in a library or wherever you find it best to study. Learning in practice: sustained learning in practice in a range of settings as part of a team, which includes client follow through and following care pathways, and formative and summative assessment of achievement in practice. Your practice hours and assessed achievement in practice must be evidenced in your portfolio submitted at the end of each of the three practice modules. You are supernumerary in practice.

14 12 Pre-registration nursing Recruitment and selection of students The programme is only open to individuals who are supported by employers working in partnership with the OU. You cannot self-fund your studies on this programme and you must be working in healthcare practice in a caring role. You must meet the NMC minimum academic entry requirements in maths and English, and be of good character and health (see below). You will be required to demonstrate appropriate values throughout the recruitment process. See the NHS Constitution at to find out more about NHS values 1. Following a review of your application, you will be offered an interview if you meet the entry requirements and are shortlisted. The interview process includes one or more representatives from the OU and your employing organisation. Service users are involved in the recruitment and selection process. A career in nursing is a challenging and rewarding vocation. The values held by nurses inform their practice and underpin their approach to ensuring the dignity of patients and service users and delivering compassionate care. Applicants to the pre-registration nursing programme will need to demonstrate that they hold the right values to be considered suitable to undertake nurse education. The OU operates a values-based recruitment process for applicants to the programme that aims to determine whether an individual has the right attributes for a career in nursing. These values are based on the values of the NHS in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. More details may be found using the web addresses below. 1 NHS values England nhscoreprinciples.aspx Entry requirements The current NMC entry requirements include: functional skills English level 2 or equivalent (e.g. key skills adult literacy level 2; GCSE English Grades A, B or C; CSE English Grade 1; Standard Grade 1 or 2; National 5; SCQF level 5 in English) functional skills mathematics level 2 or equivalent (e.g. key skills adult numeracy level 2, GCSE mathematics Grades A, B or C; CSE mathematics Grade 1; Standard Grade 1 or 2; National 5; SCQF level 5 in mathematics) good character evidenced through self-declaration and an enhanced disclosure and barring check good health evidenced through self-declaration of health status, occupational health screening, and a review of previous sickness and absence record two references, one must be from your current employer an academic reference if you have previously commenced nursing studies with another university. Get credit for previous study You may be able to count credit from previous higher education towards an OU qualification, reducing the number of modules you need to complete. If you d like to apply to transfer credit you need to let us know as soon as possible, and certainly before you register for your chosen qualification. To find out more, click or call an adviser on +44 (0) or credit-transfer@open.ac.uk. Scotland pdf Northern Ireland uploads/2012/10/transforming-your-care-review-of-hscin-ni.pdf

15 Pre-registration nursing 13 Frequently asked questions Is there a minimum number of students? Students registered on the programme will be joined, by module, with other students either in their own locality, region or beyond to form learning groups. There are typically 20 students per group. This means that employers can support large or small numbers of students on the programme according to local workforce need. How long does the programme take? It typically takes four years and two months to complete the programme. You will need to agree a timetable with your employer, taking into account factors such as previous study, experience of distance learning and other work and family/ home commitments. What are the arrangements for study leave? Support for study leave is individually negotiated between you and your employer. How much does the programme cost? You must be sponsored by your employer to join the programme, so if you re interested in becoming a student, please share this information with your line manager and encourage them to contact the University. Who pays for the programme, and how? The employer or sponsoring organisation pays the fees. This is not always your direct employer: for example, a Local Education and Training Board, The Scottish Government or The Northern Ireland Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety can pay rather than a specific hospital or Trust/Health Board. Students cannot self-fund their study on the pre-registration nursing programme. What if I need time out of the programme? Open University study is flexible, so if you need a break from studying it may be possible to arrange this in agreement with the University and your employer, as long as you complete your studies within the seven years stipulated by the NMC. If you do have to leave the programme altogether, you ll still have credit for successfully completed modules as each stage carries its own academic credit. What to do next Employers To find out more, please contact us (see back cover). We would welcome the opportunity to visit your organisation and answer any questions you might have about the programme. Prospective students If your employer isn t involved in the programme already, you could get things moving by sharing this information with them.

16 14 Post-qualifying nursing If you re a registered nurse, our BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Q53) offers an opportunity to take your career forward by achieving an honours degree through a top-up route. Our post-qualifying curriculum offers a flexible, modular approach and is designed to meet the needs of nurses working across a range of settings and specialties, in both the NHS and independent sectors. Study options focus on service improvement; leadership; ageing and the life course; and public health. The qualification descriptions in this section list the modules that are currently available for study. However, as we review our curriculum on a regular basis, the range of modules may change over time. Key c o Compulsory module Optional module BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Q53) : 360 Start: Oct 2015 (registration closes 10 Sep 2015) If you re a registered nurse, but are not a graduate, this degree offers a practical way to take your career forward, by enabling you to step up to an honours degree while continuing to earn. As you study, you ll reflect critically on your own practice; cultivate a person-centred approach to work with patients, service users, their carers and families, and explore how your learning can contribute to evidence-based practice improvement. By the end of your studies, you ll have enhanced your professional expertise to meet the complex challenges of contemporary healthcare practice. You ll need to provide evidence of current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Career relevance and employability This qualification enables registered nurses to enhance their career prospects by topping up to a degree. As nursing careers have become graduate-only entry, it will help you develop your understanding of the nursing role and strengthen your future employability. You ll also build on your current knowledge and experience in the setting in which you work, gaining the understanding and skills you need to take the lead in practice development and innovation. You ll have the opportunity to improve your IT skills particularly in relation to searching and analysing the evidence base for practice and collaborating with others to enhance your continuing professional development. What you will study Your study route will depend on the amount of credit transfer you receive for your previous nursing qualification. If you receive 240 transferred credits, you ll start at Stage 3 and study 120 credits to complete your honours degree. If your receive fewer than 240 transferred credits, you ll need to complete up to 120 credits at Stage 2, and 120 credits at Stage 3.

17 Post-qualifying nursing 15 Stage credits Your study at Stage 2, should it be required, will give you a varied and wide-ranging choice of topic areas depending on your interests and professional background. For example, you could choose to explore health and wellbeing, including mental health and child development. Or if your interest is in management, you could study leadership, influence and change. Alternatively, you could explore psychology, human biology or the law. Stage credits The compulsory module at Stage 3 is Exploring practice (K316). You ll examine in detail a project theme pertinent to your practice. This unique opportunity promotes development of personal and professional learning in evidence-based practice, and culminates in detailed action planning exploring implications for change and service improvements. You ll also study one of three optional modules: Adulthood, ageing and the life course (K319) explores the ageing process; work with older adults in a wide range of health or social care contexts; and how practitioners can develop their practice. Promoting public health: skills, perspectives and practice (K311) will deepen your knowledge, understanding and critical analysis of the promotion of public health, and the vital contribution of local authorities, education, social care, families, police, prisons, business and voluntary organisations. Leadership and management in health and social care (K313) focuses on frontline leadership and management roles. You ll build the knowledge, skills and analytical tools needed to become an effective manager able to use evidence-based strategies for good outcomes for service users. Qualification structure Modules can be taken in any order. Stage 2 module summary Optional modules 120 credits Select from a wide choice of modules including: Adult health, social care and wellbeing (K217) o 60 Making it happen: leadership, influence and change (B204) o 60 Understanding law (W200) o 60 Stage 3 module summary Compulsory module 60 credits Exploring practice (K316) c 60 Optional module 60 credits Select one from: Adulthood, ageing and the life course (K319) o 60 Leadership and management in health and social care (K313) Promoting public health: skills, perspectives and practice (K311) Module availability is subject to change. o 60 o 60

18 16 Mentorship This is an NMC approved mentorship programme. Completion of both courses demonstrates that students have met all the requirements for mentorship to apply for registration to locally-held mentor registers. Facilitating learning in practice: an OpenLearn resource (KG005) : Start: This is a non-credit-bearing course Anytime Some of the themes you will explore in this free online course include facilitating learning in practice, the role of the mentor in supporting teaching and learning, the practice environment, student assessment and supporting failing students. While available to anyone interested in supporting learners, it has been specifically developed to be combined with the Facilitating learning in practice: mentorship portfolio assessment (KG006) (see opposite). Available from Spring Facilitating learning in practice: mentorship portfolio assessment (KG006) : Start: This is a non-credit-bearing course Anytime Successful completion of KG006 provides evidence for eligibility to enter locally-held registers for mentors. 1 Students will need to confirm that they have access to a registered nurse, whose data is already held on a mentor register, who can act as an assessor. In addition students need to commit to engaging in all aspects of this combined development (KG005, including additional reading resources, and KG006) so that protected time required by the NMC can be demonstrated. Students will collect evidence from practice against the NMC (2008) Standards to Support Learning and Assessment in Practice Stage 2 Mentor and, in doing so, demonstrate that they have the competence to practise successfully in the role of mentor if asked to support students of nursing. Assessment is based on the demonstration of practice competence. 1 This provision does not prepare mentors to work as sign-off mentors.

19 17 OU certificates We offer vocational OU certificates, designed to help you work more effectively, develop and progress in your role and deepen your knowledge and understanding of your subject area. Certificate in End-of-Life Care (S30) : 60 Start: Oct 2015 (registration closes 10 Sep 2015) This certificate introduces a range of issues relating to death, dying and dementia care. It consists of two OU level 2 modules: Death and dying (K260) and Dementia care (K235). Drawing on real case studies and acted scenarios, you ll see and hear from people living with dementia, and from dying people and their carers. You ll learn how bereaved people manage grief; and explore the social and ethical context of death, dying and endof-life care. You ll also explore the incidence and pathology of dementia; ethical dilemmas associated with dementia; and care at home and in care settings. The emphasis throughout is on the reality of end-of-life care and how it can be improved. This certificate will be relevant if you work in health and social care (especially in the area of life-limiting conditions), in a hospice, as a paid or unpaid carer, in the NHS (in the acute sector or community), or in the voluntary sector. Qualification structure Certificate in Promoting Public Health (S13) : 60 Start: Oct 2015 (registration closes 10 Sep 2015) Public health is everyone s business and the contribution of local authorities, education, social care, families, police, prisons, business and voluntary sectors is now acknowledged as vital. This certificate enables you, whatever your background and expertise, to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding of multidisciplinary public health across the UK and internationally. By the end of your studies, you ll have gained the knowledge and confidence needed to move forward your everyday actions and practice. This certificate has been mapped against the UK Public Health Register standards for public health practitioners which are drawn from the Public Health Skills and Career Framework, the Knowledge and Skills Framework for the NHS, and the National Occupational Standards for Public Health. Click for further information about these standards. You can study these modules in any order. Stage 1 module summary Compulsory modules 60 credits Death and dying (K260) c 30 Dementia care (K235) c 30 Module availability is subject to change. Qualification structure Stage 1 module summary Compulsory module 60 credits Promoting public health: skills, perspectives and practice (K311) Module availability is subject to change. c 60

20 18 Transforming care short courses Education and training can play a vital role in transforming care by equipping staff with the knowledge, skills and confidence to provide high-quality, person-centred and compassionate care. This suite of short courses was developed for a wide range of people from support workers to senior practitioners. To find out more about a short course that interests you and to register, go to Whether you receive care or provide care, OU short courses play a valued role in supporting high-quality care in sharing good practice, addressing culture change and improving confidence. These non-credit bearing short courses offer: High quality, multimedia, learning which you can apply right from the start. A strong focus on improving practice, quality of care and service user experience. Flexibility and accessibility you can study whenever you want, wherever you have access to a computer or mobile device and you don t have to be away from work or caring responsibilities. No need to wait start studying right now. These courses are not formally assessed and they do not provide credits towards an Open University qualification. Improving dementia care (KG002) Improving end-of-life care (KG001) : Start: This is a non-credit-bearing course Anytime This 40-hour multimedia online course is focused on improving end-of-life care for adults. It covers different understandings of and support for a good death, effective communication, grief and bereavement and ethics in end of life care. Written assuming no prior knowledge, the online learning guides support you in building your understanding of end-of-life care by working stepby-step through audio and video accounts from practice and written case studies, as well as accessible discussions of up-todate research and theory. Improving diabetes management (KG003) : Start: This is a non-credit-bearing course Anytime : Start: This is a non-credit-bearing course Anytime This 50-hour online course is aimed at anyone with an interest in, or responsibility for the care of people with dementia. Your studies will help you develop an understanding of the medical and physiological dimensions of dementia including symptoms, changes in the brain and medication; the experience of dementia in relation to memory, identity and social relationships; care needs and person-centred care; the impact of the design of the physical environment; decision making, capacity, consent and risk; and of how organisational cultures shape care quality. You will receive a certificate of participation upon completion. This 55-hour online course provides an introduction to the medical, psychological and social dimensions of diabetes. You will learn about the parts of the body and physiological processes involved in diabetes. The course covers diagnosis and treatment as well as day-to-day management and monitoring for complications. You will also study diabetes within the context of the everyday life of the person with the condition. Living well with diabetes as well as the potential social and psychological impact is also considered. This course has been designed with a wide range of people in mind: people with diabetes, carers, lay educators and a variety of healthcare practitioners, including clinical support workers.