Nursing programme 180 higher education credits PROGRAMME SYLLABUS Applies as of spring semester 2011
Programme code: SSV11 Reg. no: 41/2011 Decision and implementation The programme syllabus for the nursing programme has been approved by Högskolenämnden [Board of Higher Education] at Red Cross University College on January17, 2011. The programme syllabus applies as from spring semester 2011 and replaces the programme syllabus from April 4, 2008. Revised on May 9, 2011 and on October 18, 2011. Revised as per vice-chancellor decision on August 6, 2012, applies as from autumn semester 2012. Revised by the Educational Committee on December 12, 2012. Revised in accordance with the decision of Högskolenämnden [Board of Higher Education] on May 27, 2013, applies as from autumn semester 2013. Revised by the program director for undergraduate education on August 26, 2014, applies as from autumn semester 2014. Nursing programme at Red Cross University College Guidelines and objectives for a nursing degree The nursing programme at Red Cross University College leads to a nursing degree and Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. The Swedish Higher Education Act (1992:1434), Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) and the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare s skills description for registered nurses 1. The programme complies with EU nursing programme requirements as laid out in the EEA agreement (DS 1992:34 with later EEC directive), enabling graduates to work in EU countries. Upon completion of the programme, the student shall have achieved the objectives for firstcycle study programme, the nursing degree and a Bachelor of Science degree as specified in the Higher Education Act and the Higher Education Ordinance (see objectives for the study programme in Appendix 1). The programme is a 180-credit, first-cycle programme, where full-time studies in one 40-week academic year earn 60 credits. Red Cross University College The university is one of the oldest nursing schools in Sweden, with roots dating back to the 1860s. Red Cross University College s mission is to train nurses with the skills and preparation to work in and develop medical and health care operations of the future both nationally and internationally and to lay the groundwork for continued studies at an advanced level. The study programmes are offered in a pedagogic and academicallystimulating campus environment in central Stockholm. Mission and operations of the Red Cross 2 In line with the mission of the international Red Cross movement, 3 nurses are educated with special knowledge of work with vulnerable people in all societies 4 work to prevent disasters and with preparedness to respond to disasters 5 1 Competency description for registered nurses. (2005). Stockholm: National Board of Health and Welfare. 2 The complete heading should ideally read Mission and operations of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, but the name has been shortened throughout to make it easier to read through the information. 3 Strategy 2020 Saving lives, changing minds. (2010). Geneva: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. 4 The Federation of the future, working together for a better tomorrow. (2006). Geneva: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. 1
international health programmes 6 In addition, the study programme takes inspiration from the strategic objectives that were adopted by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Federation in 2009 and were incorporated into the national Red Cross associations' strategy 2020 7 : Save lives, protect livelihoods and strengthen recovery from disasters and crises Enable healthy and safe living Promote social inclusion and a culture of non-violence and peace All study programmes at Red Cross University College are infused with the humanitarian ideals that are reflected in the values and basic principles of the International Red Cross movement: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. These basic principles are in line with the code of ethics for nurses 8 and the Health and Medical Services Act (SFS 1982:763). The six semesters of the nursing programme include knowledge of the mission and operations of the Red Cross movement. Internationalisation The university has a long tradition of international operations. Red Cross University College has an extensive international collaboration for both student and instructor exchanges with institutions in a number of countries. Studies abroad provide knowledge of people's changing cultural needs. This can then be applied in dealings with patients, regardless of the care situation. In Europe, the university has agreements with over ten colleges/universities within the EU (ERASMUS). The university also has agreements for training in hospital, primary care and emergency care settings in countries such as Tanzania, Ghana, India, Japan and Thailand. Red Cross University College offers a number of SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) scholarships that enable students to gather data for an independent degree project in a low-income country. Description of the nursing programme The nursing programme includes the knowledge areas nursing, medicine and public health science (Figure 1). Full-time studies are divided between on-campus courses and based courses. Approximately one-third of the programme consists of clinical training in a county, municipal or private facility. During clinical training, the students are taught, guided and assessed by clinically active nurses and the university s clinical instructor. 5 Strategy 2010: To improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. (1999). Geneva: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. 6 The global health and care strategy, 2006-2010. (2007). Geneva: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. 7 Strategy 2020 Saving lives, changing minds. (2010). Geneva: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Geneva. 8 ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses (2007). Stockholm: Swedish Society of Nursing, www.swenurse.se 2
Mission and operations of the Red Cross Internationalisation Figure 1. Nursing programme's three knowledge areas, including the mission and operations of the Red Cross movement and internationalisation. Main field nursing Nursing at Red Cross University College is based on a humanitarian view of humans that emphasises human dignity and integrity in line with the humanity principle of the Red Cross. Nursing covers theories and methods for the study and understanding of the unique human's experiences and perceptions of life situations in relation to health and changes in health. Furthermore, nursing also covers theories and methods for studying the effects of prevention, care and treatment and what role the individual's own resources, the environment and the interplay between patient, loved ones and caregivers play in maintaining or restoring health. The application of nursing involves promoting health and well-being, preventing illhealth/disease, restoring health and easing suffering. Nursing is related to and requires both knowledge of normal functions of the human body and knowledge of disease and ill-health conditions and the treatment of such. It also requires knowledge in leadership, quality work and improvement work. Central to nursing care is human contact that is characterised by respect, trust and understanding. Practicing the art of nursing requires knowledge from other areas of science, particularly medicine and public health science. Medicine The basis of medicine is knowledge of healthy human anatomy and physiology from the individual cell to the large organ systems. In order to understand how diseases occur and express themselves, subjects such as pathology and pathophysiology are studied. In addition, the field includes diagnosis and treatment, what complications can arise from ill-health/illness and/or treatment and how health deterioration can be prevented. 3
Public health science Public health science refers to the multidiscipline field that studies the impact that social structure, work life, ways of living, the environment and the healthcare system have on public health and the effectiveness of medical and health care. It also includes knowledge about international health programmes. Public health science is studied from a global, national and local perspective. Nurses' public health skills include promoting health and preventing illhealth by identifying and actively preventing health risks and encouraging lifestyle changes wherever necessary. Nursing programme overview Description of year 1 During the first year, the student gains basic knowledge on the theories and terms of the main field in relation to health and ill-health. The student is made aware of the importance of communication, attitude and approach, integrity and getting the whole picture of the situation. In elderly care, the student is trained in assessing the patient's self-care capability and care needs to be able to perform nursing duties. During the first year, the student also develops knowledge of healthy human anatomy and physiology and the effect that different factors have on individual and public health and develops the ability to create quality care environments for patients and loved ones in a relationship characterised by respect and trust. The student also builds the foundation for a critical, scientific approach; develops the ability to reflect on the view of humans, ethics basics and the mission of the Red Cross movement; and performs field studies at different Red Cross organisations. Overview of year 1 courses Knowledge areas Courses Nursing Medicine Public health science Of which is Can apply for abroad 1 Nursing science in theory and as a profession 15 2 Anatomy, physiology and basic pathophysiology (I) 15 3 Basic nursing care for elderly people 15 7.5 4 Scientific methods I 7.5 5 Public health and society 7.5 Total 37.5 15 7.5 7.5 4
Description of year 2 The second year of the programme involves more in-depth study of nursing science as well as the origin, symptoms, treatment and prevention of various diseases and conditions. The student trains in different care environments to identify and satisfy the individual care needs of patients and gain the knowledge required to restore patients to health and ease suffering. There is also more advanced study and training of the scientific and ethical approach and problem solving. During the year, the student develops his/her knowledge of how the Red Cross organisations help to improve public health at different levels of society and how the Red Cross works with the most vulnerable groups and with environmental issues around the world. Overview of year 2 courses Knowledge areas Nursing Medicine Public health science Of which is Can apply for abroad Courses 1 Pathophysiology II - diseases and disorders of the organ systems: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment including pharmacology 7.5 2 Global health 9 3 Medical surgical nursing care 13.5 12 4 *Psychiatry and psychiatric care 5 *Women's and children's health 6 * Emergency and perioperative care 7 Health promoting strategies in the society 8 Scientific methodology II 5 2.5 6 5 2.5 6 Tanzania 5 2.5 6 Asia 6 1.5 Total 30 15 15 30 *Nursing and medicine are integrated into these courses. 5
Description of year 3 During year 3, the student trains to independently perform professional and patient-safe care of acute and complex ill-health conditions based on a scientific and ethical approach. Knowledge of leadership, care culture, pedagogy, communication, supervision as well as quality and improvement work are put into practical application in clinical training. The student demonstrates the ability to independently identify, solve, value and evaluate problems, primarily during clinical training but also during independent work (degree project) performed in the main field. During the year, the student expands his/her knowledge of medical care in a disaster, international aid and assistance with a focus on the Red Cross' operations and acquires information on international career planning. Overview of year 3 courses Knowledge areas Nursing Medicine Public health science Of which is Can apply for abroad Courses 1 Scientific methodology III, thesis 15 Africa, Asia 2 Field studies in culture and health 7.5 3 Africa, Asia, Europe 3 Health promotion and nursing in primary care 7.5 6 Africa 4 *Nursing in relation to complex diseases 15 7.5 12 Europe 5 Traumatology, disaster medicine and psychological first aid 7.5 Total 37.5 15 7.5 21 *Nursing and medicine are integrated into these courses. 6
Pedagogic foundation and instruction forms at the university Instruction at Red Cross University College stimulates students abilities to analyse critically and solve problems. Instruction is based on an examination method that emphasises the student s own responsibility and active search for knowledge with the support of instructors and supervisors, both in theory and in work. Over the course of three-year programme, there is intensification with a gradual increase in demands on students' knowledge, skills and ability to evaluate. Lectures, seminars, field studies, clinical training and labs at the clinical training centre are the primary methods of working. Theory instruction and clinical training are integrated. Instruction in the nursing programme is primarily in Swedish, but there are some courses in English. The course literature is in Swedish and English. Requirements for entry, admission, graduation and grades Entry requirements Basic and specific entry requirements must be met in order to be accepted into the nursing programme (www.studera.nu). Regulations on general entry requirements are found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). Specific entry requirements are specified by the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) as field-specific entry requirements. These regulations are found in the statues UHRFS 2013:2. Passed courses from another study programme may be credited to the applicant. Admission may also be based on actual skills and individual admission. See also Admission regulations at Red Cross University College. ). Grades, number of tests, correction and reassessment of grades The examinations of each course in the programme are based on intended learning outcomes. The independent work (degree project) in the main field is a special examination. It is considered a course in and of itself. The independent work serves as the basis for earning a Bachelor of Science degree (Appendix 1). Grades are awarded for each completed course by the appointed examiner. The following grades are used: fail, pass or pass with distinction. There are some exceptions from the threepoint grading system. In such cases, a two-point grading system (fail or pass) is used. Refer to the course syllabus. Any student who fails examination may be permitted to resit examination a total of four (4) times. For information regarding re-examination, see Riktlinjer för examination (in Swedish) at Red Cross University College 2012-05-07, diary number: 32/2012 (www.rkh.se). Anyone who fails examination twice has the right to request a different examiner. Any student who fails the clinical training aspect of a course will be offered one (1) new opportunity within the framework of the course. If a student quits the clinical training early on his/her own initiative, the student will fail the course. In such cases, the student is offered a new clinical training session the next time the course is offered, provided that he/she has not already reached the maximum number of examination opportunities. If an examiner determines that a decision regarding a grade is obviously incorrect because new circumstances have come to light or for any other reason, the decision shall be changed provided it does not lower the grade. 7
The examiner can stop a student's clinical training or the like with immediate effect if the student demonstrates such serious inadequacies in knowledge, skills or approach that patient safety or patient confidence in the healthcare system is jeopardised. If clinical training is stopped in such a manner, it means that the student has failed the element in question and one clinical training opportunity is used up. In such cases, an individual action plan is drafted, indicating which activities and knowledge checks are required before the student is given a new field training opportunity for the course in question. Admission regulations In order to pass to a higher semester, the student may have no more than 15 credits remaining from the preceding semester. He/she must have passed the courses of the earlier semesters. Clinical training must be passed in chronological order before the next can commence. For interim regulations related to approved leave from and resuming of studies, refer to Admission regulations at Red Cross University College. Degree certificate A degree certificate is issued for the nursing programme in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). See also Degree Ordinance at Red Cross University College. Education evaluation and quality assurance The programmes and courses of the university undergo continual quality control and improvement work. Other guidelines A student can be expelled from studies until further notice if the student is mentally disturbed, abuses alcohol or drugs or commits a serious crime. Another reason for expulsion is conditions that cause an obvious risk of the student injuring another person during studies. Conditions for expulsion are found in the Higher Education Act (1992: 1434) and in the ordinance on expelling students from a higher education programme (SFS 2007:989). 8
Appendix 1. Study programme objectives Objectives for first-cycle study programmes The Higher Education Act (1992: 1434 with later amendments) specifies that first-cycle study programmes shall develop students' - ability to make independent and critical assessments - ability to independently distinguish, formulate and solve problems and - preparedness to meet changes in work life In addition to knowledge and skills in the field being studied, students shall develop the ability to - seek and evaluate knowledge at a scientific level - follow knowledge development and - exchange knowledge, including with individuals without special knowledge of the field. National objectives for nursing degree National objectives for nursing programmes are found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100 with later amendments). To obtain a nursing degree, the student must demonstrate the knowledge, abilities and approach required to qualify as a nurse. Knowledge and understanding: To earn a nursing degree, the student must - demonstrate knowledge of the field s scientific basis, knowledge of current research and development work, knowledge of the connection between science and proven experience and the significance of that connection to the practice of nursing - demonstrate knowledge in planning, leading and coordinating medical and health care work - demonstrate knowledge of how relationships in society affect the health of children, women and men and - demonstrate knowledge of relevant statutes. Skills and abilities To earn a nursing degree, the student must - demonstrate the ability to identify care needs, establish a care plan and provide care and treatment independently and in collaboration with the patient and loved ones - demonstrate the ability to handle drugs adequately and be able to inform patients of drug effects and side effects - demonstrate the ability to identify the need for and carry out health promotion and preventative work - demonstrate the ability to initiate method improvement and quality assurance - demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge to handle different situations, phenomena and questions based on individual and group needs - demonstrate the ability to inform and instruct different groups and to perform supervisory tasks - demonstrate the ability to verbally and in writing report and discuss measures and treatment results with affected patients and document such in accordance with relevant statutes - demonstrate the ability to work in a team and cooperate with other occupational groups, and - demonstrate the ability to critically review, assess and use relevant information and discuss new facts, phenomena and questions with various target groups, thereby contributing to the development of the profession and activities. 9
Ability to evaluate and approach To earn a nursing degree, the student must - demonstrate self-knowledge and the ability to be empathetic - demonstrate the ability to use a comprehensive view of human beings to make action judgements based on relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects with special consideration to human rights - demonstrate the ability to have a professional attitude with patients and their loved ones, and - demonstrate the ability to identify the need for additional knowledge and continually develop personal skills. National goals for Bachelor of Science degree For a Bachelor of Science degree, the study programme must be made up of at least 90 credits with gradually specialisation in the main field of the programme. National objectives for Bachelor of Science degrees are found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100 with later amendments). Knowledge and understanding: To earn a Bachelor of Science degree, the student must - demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of the degree, including knowledge of the field s scientific basis, knowledge and applicable methods in the field, advanced study in some part of the field and orientation in relevant research questions. Skills and abilities To earn a Bachelor of Science degree, the student must - demonstrate the ability to seek, collect, evaluate and critically interpret relevant information in a problem and critically discuss phenomena, questions and situations - demonstrate the ability to independently identify, formulate and solve problems and perform tasks within given time frames - demonstrate the ability to verbally and in writing report and discuss information, problems and solutions in dialogues with different groups and - demonstrate the skills required to work independently in the field being studied Ability to evaluate and approach To earn a Bachelor of Science degree, the student must - demonstrate the ability to within the main field of the degree make assessments based on relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects - demonstrate insight into the role of knowledge in society and people s responsibility for how it is used and - demonstrate the ability to identify the need for additional knowledge and develop personal skills Independent work (degree project) In order to earn a nursing degree and Bachelor of Science degree, the student must complete independent work (degree project) of at least 15 credits within the main field of the degree within the framework of course requirements. 10