Honours Degree in Nursing Stay in Guernsey Earn as you learn Job awaiting you on completion!...

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1 Honours Degree in Nursing Stay in Guernsey Earn as you learn Job awaiting you on completion!...

2 REGISTERED NURSE (ADULT OR MENTAL HEALTH) BSc (HONS) IN NURSING The Institute, in partnership with the University of East Anglia (UEA), is committed to excellence in health and social care, research and education. At the Institute there are 12 academic staff, 1 librarian and 1 e-resources facilitator in addition to 6 trainers and 5 support staff. Together we facilitate high quality pre- and post-qualifying education and have been successfully preparing registered nurses for nearly three decades. At the Institute we take an individual interest in our undergraduate students, supporting them to harness the abilities and life experience that they bring with them. We use an adult learning approach to enable students to apply theory to practice with confidence and judgement. There is a strong emphasis on learning how to learn independently and on the development of emotional intelligence. In this way our students develop a lifelong personal and professional investment in fulfilling their potential. Courses Available: Adult Field - September 2015 Mental Health Field - September 2015 All courses are 3-year full-time programmes. Contact Details: Senior Course Administrator Telephone: Admissions ssmedley@hssd.gov.gg The Institute Princess Elizabeth Hospital Rue Mignot St Martin Guernsey GY4 6UU 2

3 THE FIELDS OF NURSING Healthcare is becoming increasingly complex and registered nurses need the knowledge base and skills to exercise sophisticated clinical reasoning, working with increasing independence in a range of settings. The values, beliefs and attitudes which underpin nursing practice are equally important. All registered nurses need to demonstrate safe and compassionate practice, interpersonal and technical competence, as well as the ability to continuously improve and develop their practice. The modern nurse has the knowledge and skills to meet the basic health needs of all people, regardless of the nature of those needs or the age of the person. For example, s/he would be able to work with children, people with a learning disability and pregnant women as well as people with a mental or physical health problem. However, potential students must choose a field of nursing pre-registration in order to learn how to meet the complex health needs of a narrower section of the population. Nationally, these fields are Adult nursing Children s nursing Mental health nursing Learning disability nursing In Guernsey we are able to offer the following: Adult Adult nurses work with old and young adults with diverse health conditions, both long term and acute. They juggle numerous priorities and use caring, managing, technical, teaching and interpersonal skills to improve the quality of patients' lives, sometimes in difficult situations. Work may be based in hospital wards, clinics or, increasingly, community settings. There are many diverse opportunities to specialise once you are qualified. Mental Health As many as one in three people has a mental health issue at some point in their life. Mental health nurses work with people of all ages and backgrounds who are experiencing mental health conditions. Increasingly, care is given in the community. Mental health nursing centres on the use of advanced interpersonal skills to form therapeutic relationships with service users and their families. A variety of skills are needed, including caring, managing, prioritising, health promotion and partnership working to promote empowerment, recovery, social inclusion and better mental health. There are many diverse opportunities to specialise once you are qualified. (as outlined in - a useful further resource). 3

4 CORE QUALITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED When we are considering applications for the above courses we are looking for evidence of: An interest in people and their health An awareness of the professional role applied for An awareness of the course requirements Motivation to become a nurse Academic ability/literacy/numeracy/ IT skills/ emotional intelligence Commitment Values suited to the nursing profession Resilience In addition, we are also looking for evidence of potential to achieve the following: Competency in clinical skills Critical thinking skills The ability to work under pressure Management and leadership skills, including problem solving skills A professional attitude/responsibility Excellent interpersonal and communication skills The ability to work independently and in a team CHALLENGES Applicants should be aware that the course will have many challenges, including: Managing conflicting demands on your time Working shifts in order to experience 24-hour care The need for increasingly independent learning Exposure to stressful situations Responsibility and accountability Physical and mental demands REWARDS With the challenges come the rewards, which include: Personal and professional satisfaction Stimulating experiences and diverse learning opportunities Learning in small groups within a supportive environment The opportunity to further develop potential and contribute towards practice development COURSE OUTLINE The course is offered at degree level and is split equally into theory and practice elements. 4

5 Theory Element The course uses a number of different approaches to facilitate learning. For example, an enquiry-based learning (EBL) method is adopted and this involves a stimulating and student-centred approach to learning that facilitates the development of the clinical reasoning and lifelong learning skills that are essential in nursing practice. Other examples of approaches to learning that students will encounter include lectures, electronic learning packages, simulated skills practice and self-directed study. Whilst completing the theory elements, students need to undertake 37.5 hours of learning per week. Some of this time will be spent at the Institute, which is open from 8.00am until 5.00pm from Monday to Friday. The remaining learning hours can be undertaken outside of these times and in any environment conducive to learning. Practice Element All students, as part of their course, will learn in practice settings. Where the practice setting operates a shift system, students are required to attend the shifts to which they are allocated. This may entail working shifts over a 24-hour period covering the full 7- day week. Typical shifts include early shifts which start at 7.00am until 2.30pm, or late shifts which start at 1.00pm until 9.00pm. Some areas also operate 12-hour shifts from 7.00am until 7.00pm. These times should be used for guidance only and do vary for each practice setting. At the start of a period of learning in practice, students are allocated a mentor. S/he is a registered nurse who has undertaken additional training to teach, assess and support students during practice experiences. During this time, students usually work similar hours to that of their mentor. Periods of practice learning usually occur twice a year and last approximately 11 weeks. COURSE ASSESSMENT Throughout the whole course, students are assessed in theory and also in practice. Theory is assessed through essays, a report, a group exercise, a written examination, an observed structured clinical examination (OSCE) and a dissertation. Practice is assessed through the achievement of outcomes and skills and through demonstration of the necessary nursing attributes (this encompasses interpersonal and attitudinal issues). Some assessments are pass/fail but, where assessments are graded, students are expected to achieve a minimum of 40%. AWARDS ON COMPLETION In order to be able to register as a nurse, students must have successfully completed all the theory and practice assessments and undertaken the required number of learning hours, in theory and in practice. Once all the criteria have been met, students will be awarded an honours degree in nursing and a professional registration in their chosen 5

6 field. In addition, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) require confirmation from the Institute of registrants good health and good character. EMPLOYMENT ON COMPLETION OF COURSE Once students have completed the course, they are expected to gain employment and work within HSSD for a minimum of three years (or incur a financial penalty). ATTENDANCE The course is 3 years, full time and consists of two modules per year. The NMC requires that all students complete 2,300 hours of theory and a further 2,300 hours of learning in practice. Therefore, in order to be able to register, students will need to make up any sickness or absence time accrued. HOLIDAYS Students will have 7 weeks leave from the course each year. Students usually have a two week holiday at Christmas, Easter and a summer break of at least three weeks (directed or self- directed learning may be required during leave periods). Bank holidays are taken where they fall. Holidays shall not be taken at other times. In cases where exceptional leave is required, you will need to seek permission. STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES The Institute prides itself on its level of student support throughout the whole course. All students are provided with a personal teacher who is a lecturer from their field of nursing who is contactable by phone, or in person (by arrangement), for support with academic or pastoral issues In addition, the student may also contact the Field Lead who can also provide similar support. Each practice setting is allocated a link lecturer from the Institute and this represents an additional source of support for students whilst learning in practice. STUDENT DISABILITIES (INCLUDING DYSLEXIA) All applicants will be subject to screening by the Occupational Health Department. Where applicants have pre-existing health conditions, they will not be excluded from applying. The Occupational Health Department advises on any reasonable adjustments needed to enable safe and effective participation in the course. In addition, those who have dyslexia are entitled to some concessions with academic assessment. They have access to all web-based information and resources on the UEA website, along with the resources provided locally for students with specific learning needs. 6

7 All students are advised to declare any disabilities on their application form and at a selection day interview. Further information can be located at OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Could my prior academic certificate and/or learning experience be credited? Applicants may apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning APL. If successful, this might reduce the length of the course. Advice may be sought on an individual basis via the Course Administrator. ADMISSIONS CRITERIA If you wish to make an application for this course, please read the information below to ensure that you meet the criteria for admission. Age Although there is no lower age limit, it is expected that applicants will be able to demonstrate the level of maturity required to undertake the course. Similarly, there is no upper age limit, but applicants will need to demonstrate that they expect to be able to work for HSSD for at least six years from the outset of this course. Residential Status This course is designed to provide the opportunity for Bailiwick residents with local housing qualifications which are valid for at least six years from the start of the course. Please note that a housing licence is not available for student nurses and we cannot consider applications from people living in HSSD accommodation. Qualifications It is preferable that applicants will have already achieved the minimum entry criteria at the point of application. However, those undertaking courses in order to meet the minimum entry criteria can apply before these have been completed. Any offer made following a successful interview would be conditional upon the achievement of the required results. Please indicate on your application form, and/or within your personal statement, details of any pending qualifications to avoid your application not being processed. You must ensure that you have completed some form of study within the last 5 years as part of your application. The entry criteria is outlined on the flyer. Please ask for a copy or access from our website. Please note that if English is not your first language a minimum level of 7 in IELTS /TOEFL or equivalent will be required. Please contact the Institute for further information. 7

8 Financial Considerations This is a demanding course requiring students full-time attention. Although students occasionally seek to supplement their income through additional part-time employment, the Institute reserves the right to veto this if students performance is adversely affected. Therefore, applicants must be able to survive financially for the duration of the course without recourse to additional employment. Relevant Health or Care Experience It is desirable that applicants have had relevant experience in health or social care prior to the selection process. This is because this often enhances an applicant s awareness of the role of the nurse. The Health and Social Service Department offers work experience for people over the age of 16. Two references will be required and a standard police check may be requested, so you need to allow several weeks for any request to be processed. Alternatively you might like to consider working as a Nursing Assistant (or similar role). Posts are usually available in HSSD, in the private sector (for example Residential or Nursing Homes) or in the voluntary sector. This option provides the opportunity for more substantial experience with which to inform and support your application. If you are interested in either option, you should contact the Human Resources Department on ext 4587 or Opportunities may also be available within the private sector. Original Certificates and Documentation All applicants are required to present Original Certificates with their application. If applicants have lost their certificates then they will need to contact their previous educational institution for advice on how to obtain duplicates. A charge for replacement certificates may apply. Any conditional offers where certificates are being obtained will be withdrawn if such evidence cannot be provided. Applicants will also be expected to provide the originals of their birth certificate, change of name documents (if applicable), marriage or divorce papers (if applicable), together with acceptable photographic identification (for example passport, driving licence). In addition, proof of current address and residential status (for example status declaration) is required. Criminal Convictions and Police Checks The course we offer is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and, although this legislation does not apply in Guernsey, applicants are required to consent to an Enhanced Police Check and, when asked, declare any criminal convictions, warnings or cautions they may have. Please note that a Conditional Discharge is a conviction. We deal with any applicant with any of the above on an individual basis, working in accordance with the principles set out by the NMC. 8

9 Health Screening All candidates are required to complete an occupational health assessment prior to their course start date. All offers are conditional upon satisfactory health screening. The Institute supplies the relevant forms for this process to be completed. HOW TO APPLY Applications for nursing courses should be sent to the Senior Course Administrator at the Institute. Application forms are available from the Course Administrator from October Contact details are outlined on page 2. The Application Process (the closing date is 5th January 2015) All applicants receive an to confirm receipt of their application. All applications are scrutinised by a member of academic staff to ensure that the entry requirements have already been met (or are expected to be met). Shortlisting is undertaken prior to interviews. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of the shortlisting process. If successfully shortlisted, candidates are contacted by post and invited to attend an evening presentation (for further information about the course) followed by a selection day. The selection day involves a group discussion (on a health-related topic known by applicants in advance). This is followed by a subsequent requirement to provide a written reflection on individual performance and group dynamics. We anticipate that all applicants will complete a literacy and numeracy assessment and undertake an individual interview. Individual Interviews are normally conducted by a panel consisting of a lecturer, a senior nurse and a service user. Following a selection day you will receive the decision in writing within 2 weeks. If your application has been unsuccessful at either the shortlisting or interview stage, we offer verbal feedback on request. For a flow chart please see appendix 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION At present students are salaried over the 3 year course at approx 19,000 per annum. Whilst it remains our intention to offer financial support to students, the precise details will not be available until a few months into the year in which the course starts. LIBRARY FACILITIES The Institute has a well-stocked learning resource centre and students will also have access to the UEA library. All students will be registered automatically to both libraries and can use these facilities for borrowing books and other learning resources to assist with their studies. Last updated in September 2014 Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this leaflet is accurate, some changes may be made before the commencement of the next course in September

10 Appendix 1: Admissions Flowchart Application form received and written receipt sent Application scrutinised by course specific lecturer. If all entry requirements are met, applications are sent for shortlisting. One reference is requested. Applicant informed that they have been unsuccessful. Feedback service offered. Applicant invited to attend evening presentation and selection day. Applicant attends the selection day (group discussion, reflection, literacy and numeracy tests, individual interview). Applicant informed of decision by letter within 2 weeks of selection day. Conditional offer made for a specific intake, subject to meeting all admission criteria including: Enhanced police check Occupational health check Satisfactory references Original Certificates Appropriate residential status Applicant informs Institute of decision to accept or decline offer 10