Overview

This course provides the springboard to achieve personal career aspirations to become a registered nurse. You may choose from routes in Adult, Child, Mental Health or Learning Disabilities depending on your career choice and area of employment.

The public places high expectations and levels of trust in the nursing professional and this course aims to develop confident, articulate and aspiring graduate nurses who are future-ready, socially and ethically engaged, research-active, globally connected and digitally empowered. Successful completion of the course leads to the award of BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Mental Health) Apprenticeship, enabling you to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

One in four of the UK population experiences a mental health problem at some point in their lives - this is not restricted by age, cultural, occupational or income groups. You develop the values, knowledge and skills to work effectively with individuals experiencing a variety of mental health problems whilst supporting their families and carers.

These range from fundamental therapeutic communication to specific interventions used with individuals who have problems such as depression and severe mental illness. You will work in diverse settings, and develop a leadership role within the health and social care team. To be a nurse and to share people’s healthcare experiences, in sometimes very difficult and emotional times, is a privilege.It is hard work and challenging. Therefore to work within the healthcare sector it is essential that you are able to demonstrate the core values embedded within the NHS Constitution:

• working together for patients
• respect and dignity
• commitment to quality of care
• compassion
• improving lives
• everyone counts.

Throughout the course, as part of the placement experience, you will be required to participate in a shift pattern rota, or work weekends and undertake night duties.

Course structure

Year 1 core modules

This module involves shared learning and teaching across all fields of nursing, to develop an understanding of the holistic issues that may influence and impact on the care and experience of people within different health care settings. You develop a broad understanding of the theoretical frameworks underpinning the discipline of nursing and identify and explore patterns and determinants of health, wellbeing and illness at a local, national and global level.

You identify and explore the knowledge base required to meet the fundamental mental, physical, cognitive and behavioural needs of people within their care. Research-informed teaching and learning will introduce you to the concept and process of evidence-based practice, which will enable you to take a critical approach towards nursing care.

Bio-psychosocial Development for Lifespan

You develop an understanding of human systems and the patterns and determinants of health, wellbeing and illness. This will include consideration of the altered and normal human biopsychosocial development. You develop an awareness of genomics, sociological, psychological development and their impact upon physical health, mental health, and intellectual impairments across the lifespan.

You will have an awareness of routine investigations which will then contribute to the development of your knowledge of commonly encountered physical and behavioural health conditions. You will understand the principles of pathogenesis, immunology, and evidence base for immunisation, vaccination and herd immunity, and establish an understanding of the principles of infection prevention and control.

Experts by Experience the Person's Voice

You develop an understanding of the centrality of the person receiving care and valuing and promoting reciprocity in every interaction. You will explore the philosophical basis and key concepts underpinning approaches to working with different people and service user groups. The biopsychosocial experience and impact of altered health and wellbeing, physical illness, cognition and/or treatment upon the person and family will be examined from the service user perspective.

You explore the balance of power within health and social care provision and relationships, and empowerment and the concepts of therapeutic alliances will be examined. The concepts of meaning, empathy, compassion, trust, connectedness and hope will be analysed and applied to practice.

Foundation of Nursing Proficiency: the Professional Basis of Care and Caring

This module will facilitate the development of fundamental knowledge and skills that pre-registration nurses must demonstrate when caring for people of all ages across care settings. The module content is linked to the Nursing and Midwifery Council platforms and proficiency statements combining theory and practice elements.

The module combines theory, practical skills and placement experience and incorporates the four fields of nursing across three semesters with students in mixed theory groups.Technology-enhanced learning is a key feature. Understanding the foundations of nursing proficiency and professional nursing practice will be developed through pre-reading, seminars and supporting of direct care through simulated workshops including role play, clinical skills development, simulation and the use of scenarios.

Introduction to Personal and Professional Effectiveness in Nursing Practice

This module will provide the foundations from which students from all fields of nursing will examine the role of the nurse as a leader and champion of high-quality, person-centred nursing care, professional practice and innovation. It enables you to explore the knowledge, values and skills required to develop your personal effectiveness and reflective practice. This exploration will be used as a professional platform to inform their leadership development.

You will be introduced to the theoretical concepts underpinning leadership and personal effectiveness including self-awareness, resilience and self-management, as well as the core professional values of nursing.

How you learn

50% of the learning time is spent engaging in University or self-managed learning activities (theory) and 50% of the time is spent within placement allocations (practice).

The teaching week during theory/study blocks is Monday to Friday and may involve some evening sessions. During practice allocations you are required to complete the shift patterns allocated to you by your assessor or supervisor. These will include early starts (for example a shift may start at 7.00am and finish at 8.00pm), night duty and weekend shifts.

The structure and sequencing of University and placement-based learning means that holidays are fixed - it is not possible to take holidays outside of the set dates.
During University-based learning you engage in a range of both teacher-led and student-led activities. Such activities include lectures, discussions, group activities, seminar presentations, tutorials, skills workshops, experiential learning/simulations, service user-focused activities and e-learning. Digital competency and learning through digital-based platforms is an important component of the course.

Practice placements are provided in a range of healthcare related environments including hospital and community settings, incorporating nursing closer to home, preventative, acute and long-term healthcare provision. This enables you to explore the service users’ journey, nursing and healthcare needs. Throughout your placement allocations you have opportunities to gain experience with client groups from other fields of nursing. This enables you to develop an understanding of the health and nursing needs of people across all fields of practice. Some of these placement opportunities may exist within your current area of employment, and can be arranged within these areas if agreed by your employer and the university.

How you are assessed

A variety of assessments are used to measure your progress and achievement of module outcomes and practice competencies. Examples include written assignments, reflection, case studies, examinations, poster presentations and projects. You are also assessed in practice each year through a Practice Assessment Document (PAD). Essential practice proficiencies contained within the PAD, linked to the NMC platforms, communication and relationship management skills and nursing procedure skill, must be met for this course.

The platforms are:

• Being an accountable professional
• Promoting health and preventing ill health
• Assessing needs and planning care
• Providing and evaluating care
• Leading and managing nursing care and working in teams
• Improving safety and quality of care
• Coordinating care.

Career opportunities

A diverse range of career opportunities are available within the NHS and private sectors in the UK and overseas. This course has been designed to prepare you for the challenges and demands of contemporary and future nursing, health and social care practice. It also provides a stepping stone from which you can further develop your expertise in the fields of nursing practice, leadership, research, education and consultancy.

Work placement

The range of placements provide diverse and rewarding learning experiences. Placements may not be near to your home or within your local trust. You are expected to travel to different areas if unable to gain the experience in your area of employment.

Both practice and theory learning experiences enable you to explore the service user’s journey, developing your knowledge and experience of nursing and healthcare needs within services across the age continuum.