FdSc Nursing Associate

The Nursing Associate role is designed to help bridge the gap between existing nursing care support workers and registered nurses to deliver hands-on care for patients. Nursing Associates work with people of all ages in a variety of settings in health and social care. The role allows registered nurses to focus on more complex clinical care as Nursing Associates contribute to the core work of nursing.

The Nursing Associate role is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and all students who successfully complete the programme will be able to apply to join the NMC register as a Registered Nursing Associate.

This programme is designed, assessed and quality assured by Middlesex University.

Students complete five modules within the first year:

• Study Skills for Nursing Associates
• Foundations of Nursing Associate Knowledge
• Foundations of Scientific Principles for Nursing Associate Practice
• Foundations of Professional Nursing Associate Practice
• Nursing Associate Practice 1

There are four modules within the second year of the programme

• Team Leadership and Supporting Learning in Practice
• Developing Scientific Principles for Nursing Associate Practice
• Developing Professional Nursing Associate Practice
• Nursing Associate Practice 2

The modules aim to consolidate previous experience an develop student's knowledge in their practice area.

Students have both formative and summative module assessments to complete, and a range of assessment methods are used throughout the programme.

Theory Sessions

The theory component of the programme will be based at TGI University Centre, with teaching taking place in both the classroom setting and the practice room. Modules are delivered by a block release pattern of attendance. Students will be actively involved in a range of learning, teaching and assessment approaches and this programme will require active participation in learning activities and engagement with fellow students both individually and collaboratively.

Student learning will be supported by technology and this programme will be facilitated using a variety of media and online tools. This will include a variety of online resources, quizzes and learning materials as well as collaborative tools with which students can engage and learn with their peers.

Practice Experience

Students also undertake periods of assessment in practice in their own work setting, called Hub placements. Students will have protected learning time during these placements. Students will also have planned shorter placements within alternative settings, known as spoke placements, in order that students achieve a wide appreciation of different health and care contexts. These experiences will include adult, mental health, learning disability and child across a range of settings. The programme has been designed in order to help students develop knowledge and skills to be able to care for people in their own home, in the community and in hospital and/or health care settings.

Students will remain as employees as well as becoming students of the Institute in partnership with Middlesex University for the duration of the programme. Students need the support of Practice Supervisors and Practice Assessors in practice, who will be responsible for assessing the students during their periods of practice assessment. Ongoing support is given to those who are supporting students in practice from the programme team at the Institute.

Students are expected to attend all theory, hub and spoke weeks and not take annual leave at these times. The remaining weeks of the academic year are referred to as ‘non-assessed’ time, and annual leave should only be taken during these periods.

Additional features to this programme:

• Group work will be used throughout the programme to enable students to share their experiences and perceptions, to share good practice and discuss challenges faced.
• Skills and Practical Workshops will focus on developing clinical skills and abilities utilising underpinning theory. Students will have the opportunity to practice and rehearse within secure and safe environments, such as the skills practical room. *Individual and group tutorials may be used to provide academic support.
• Lectures will introduce key information, concepts and theories. When used they will be followed up with seminars and group work to ensure clarity and understanding of the concepts introduced, and to maximise the integration of theory and practice. Students will be required to engage in activities before and after each teaching session.

Assessment

Students will experience a diverse range of assessment methods in both theory and practice.

Applications are welcome from those currently working, or newly employed, as Health Care Support Workers (or similar roles).

Applicants must have achieved their Level 2 Maths and English qualifications prior to commencing the programme.

All applicants must undertake and be successful at a panel interview as part of the selection process.

£6,000 per year

Full funding is available for HSC employees who are successful at interview. Terms and conditions apply.

Whilst studying the programme, students will be employed as Band 3 Student Nursing Associates and will work in accordance with a national job description. On successful completion of the programme, individuals will commence their role as a Nursing Associate within Health and Social Care and be paid a Band 4 salary. Nursing associates will work in accordance with the national job description for Registered Nursing Associates. This may differ for students who are supported by a private practice area.

Please contact us for further information and an application form.