► Routes into Nursing
Nursing Diploma programmes are designed to enable students to gain an academic (Dip HE) and a professional qualification. They combine theory and practice, a mix of classroom activity with periods of work placement. Courses last three years.
The common foundation programme (CFP) is one year. It provides an introduction to the four branches of nursing and to maternity care.
This one year CFP will be followed by a two year programme in the nursing branch of your choice.
Most institutions require you to choose your branch of nursing at the time of application. Progress is measured by continuous assessment of theory and practice.
► Adult Nursing
Adult nursing covers the care of individuals over the age of 16 years, in hospital or in the community, who have long or short term physical illnesses. Generally students would also receive an introduction to working in Operating and Accident and Emergency Departments or Trauma Units.
► Children’s Nursing
Children’s nursing covers the development and care of children and adolescents age 0-16 years. Placements may include hospitals and the community. Students will also work closely with the children’s families.
► Learning Disability Nursing
This branch, prepares nurses to meet the wide needs of people with learning disabilities. Nurses develop the skills to promote independence, choice and to support people to take greater control of their own lives. The work of a Learning Disability nurse also involves assessing the health and social needs of people and how to implement care. This involves working closely with the individual, their families and other professionals.
► Mental Health Nursing
Mental health nursing is about building a caring relationship with individuals who have a range of problems or disorders. Experience can be gained in acute psychiatry, caring for those with severe mental illnesses as well as care of elderly mentally ill patients. Placements may include hospitals, community, drug alcohol dependency centres and child adolescent centres.
► Joint Programmes
A number of programmes lead to a qualification in Learning Disability Nursing and Social Work. These joint education programmes enable practitioners to work in an inter-professional context.
► Midwifery Diploma
The Diploma programme lasts for three years. Each Midwifery programme is developed by individual institutions. This reflects local services and resources. Programmes include experience
in antenatal, clinics, wards neonatal care and care in the community.
Application:
Please note that applications for nursing diplomas are no longer made through the Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service (NMAS). All applications are now made through the University and College Admissions System (UCAS) – please see the Application section towards the end of this article.
► Nursing and Midwifery Degrees
These programmes combine nurse education with a variety of degrees in Nursing and Midwifery. For example: BA (Hons), BN (Hons) or BSc (Hons) in Nursing Studies. Several academic disciplines associated with
Nursing such as Psychology, Sociology, Biology and Physiology are also covered. Most degree programmes lead to a nursing or midwifery qualification. A few lead to other professional qualifications such as District Nurse or Health Visitor.
Application:
Applications for entry to both diploma and degree are made through the University and College Admissions System (UCAS). Applications should be sent to UCAS between 1st September and 15th January in the year
preceding entry.
Financial help/bursaries:
Students who choose to study on a degree course may receive a means tested bursary and a student loan. Tuition fees are paid by the NHS.
More help4u:
University and College Admissions - www.ucas.ac.uk
England
NHS Careers, PO Box 376, Bristol, BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
Wales
Careers Information Health Professions Wales, 2nd Floor, Golate House, 101 St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1DX
Tel: 029 2026 1400
www.wales.nhs.uk
Scotland
NHS Education for Scotland Careers, Information Service, 66 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2YS
Tel: 0131 220 8666 (application material and general enquiries)
www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/nursing
Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Practice & Education, Council for Nursing Midwifery and Health Visiting, Centre House, 79 Chichester Street, Belfast, BT1 4JE
Tel: 02890 238 152
www.nipec.hscni.net
For further information on bursaries
NHS Student Grant Unit (SGU), Hesketh House, Fleetwood, FY7 8LG
Tel: 0845 3586655
www.dfes.gov.uk/support
Local Universities Offering Training in Nursing
Northumbria University, Trinity Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST
Tel: 0191 2156615
www.northumbria.ac.uk
University of Teesside, School of Health & Social Care, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA
Tel: 01642 3841105
www.tees.ac.uk
