Nurse education

Nurse education consists of two parts: theory and practical. Theory is studied in universities, and the practical takes place in health care institutions in the surrounding area (called placements).

Degrees and diplomas

Currently a nurse can qualify with a degree or a diploma. Both qualifications are a three-year full time course, the only difference being the assignments that you write.

Degrees and diplomas are awarded by the ‘academic level’ you reach. There are three academic levels,

  • Level 1 – description
  • Level 2 – analysis
  • Level 3 – independent thought.

Nursing diplomas don’t have to reach level 3. Therefore all the work you submit is at level 1 or 2.

Some universities offer optional level 3 assignments for diploma students. This may be worth considering if you intend to study for a degree once you qualify - you will have some of the work completed already. The individual universities will be able to tell you more about their level 3 assignments.

Plans are afoot to make nursing degrees the only qualification for new nurses from 2004. Degree students study at level 3 in their final year.

The degree students may attend slightly more lectures. This is because of the higher academic level required to complete a dissertation (providing you with the Honours).

The idea of studying for a degree can seem a very daunting thought for many. However the pass mark for a degree is 40 per cent. The level you need to write at does increase throughout the course, but this will reflect your increasing knowledge of nursing and nursing assessments.

When you start the degree your knowledge of nursing may be very little. Thus you only need to describe nursing ideas and concepts in your assignments. However, when you are a third year, you may have individual patients to manage when on clinical duties (under some supervision). This means you will have to think independently, and your essays should reflect this.

Entry qualifications for a degree

Up-to date information can be found on the UCAS website.

  • Five G.C.S.E’s. This must include English/Welsh and Maths. It's good to have sciences and some social science
  • A Levels – 18 points (old system) / 240 points (new system)
  • If over 21 you need to show evidence that you can cope with the academic requirements of the course. This could be an access course (Nursing or Health related). Or past degree. The entry requirements for over 21’s may change in the future to broaden the applicants.

Entry qualifications for a diploma

Apply directly to the universities you are interested in.

  • 5 G.C.S.E’s – essential must include English/Welsh, Maths recommended
  • Access courses
  • Advanced GNVQ (health related)
  • Diploma in welfare studies
  • Approved Cadet Schemes
  • AP(E)L portfolio.

Placements

Clinical placements are in any location where nurses work. This includes nursing homes, GP surgeries, community hospitals.

Placements need to be acceptable learning environments. Therefore they are audited by the university to ensure they are suitable for student nurses. If on placement you feel that there aren’t enough learning opportunities, or you witness bad practice, contact your personal tutor. If your tutor fails to rectify the situation then contact your local RCN Steward.

On placements you are treated like the professional you are aspiring to become. Students are expected to work all shifts – ie you can’t claim to be a student and avoid night duty.

As a student you are meant to be supernumerary (not counted in the ward numbers). Therefore the ward manager can't cancel bank staff or give other staff time off if students are working. Ward managers should ensure that the ward is adequately staffed to allow learning for nursing students. The new nursing Code of Conduct has a clause stating that all nurses should facilitate student learning.

Many students complain of being treated as Health Care Assistants whilst training. It is worth remembering that when qualified a night shift may consist of you and a HCA, thus you need to know the fundamentals of care.

Sickness

Nurse training is based on the need to fulfil 4600 hours of nursing. Thus if you are off ill you need to make the time up. The university will normally allow 21 days sickness for the whole course. If you go beyond this, the extra time will have to be made up – probably without a bursary.

The Code of Conduct

This is the set of rules that nurses have to work within. As a student you are not bound by the code. However if you deliberately break its principles the university will probably dismiss you from the course. This is because the university has to declare you a good character to become a nurse.