Program Overview

Registered Nursing Associate FdSc

Overview

The Registered Nursing Associate course is a new direct-entry course that will cover the six platforms of care for nursing associates as outlined in the Nursing Associates Proficiency Standards.

Course Structure

You'll be taught using a variety of methods on the Registered Nursing Associate course. There will be a hybrid model in place which will allow some flexibility to study. Teaching methods will include various types of simulation, seminars, problem-based learning, synchronous and asynchronous online lessons, as well as on-campus teaching with highly skilled staff.

Course Modules

Year 1 (national level 4):

• Professional Values and Parameters of Practice (30 credits) Enhance your knowledge of professional standards and the value base in health care, complementing the regulatory standards and guidance published by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and other health and social care regulators with whom you’ll be working with during your degree.
• Holistic Nursing Practice (30 credits) Explore a systems-based approach to anatomy, physiology, psychology, and microbiology while in the workplace using patient journeys as illustrations. Gain an understanding of how to apply theoretical knowledge to nursing practice at the front line of patient care.
• Delivering Care as a Nursing Associate (60 credits) Gain an introduction to models of reflective practice and an overview of interprofessional working, including an opportunity to acquire insight into lived patience experience. Explore the three core elements that reflect the competence, professionalism and underpinning knowledge which characterise a high-quality nursing workforce.

Year 2 (national level 5):

• Research and Quality Improvement (30 credits) Develop an understanding of the key issues related to healthcare practice, informed by the best available evidence to support shared decision making.
• Delivering Care through Teamwork and Leadership (30 credits) Expand on your knowledge of major pathological and physiological changes in the human body, occurring as a result of common disease processes and biopsychosocial processes.
• Person Centred Care within the Code of Practice (60 credits) Enhance your knowledge and application of nursing practice interventions, enabling the provision of evidence-based, safe, and compassionate physical and psychological care.

Facilities

The University of Sunderland offers modern and well-equipped facilities at our Sciences Complex.

Entry Requirements

We require GCSE maths and English language at grade C/4 or above or level 2 functional skills in numeracy and literacy.

Members of the Armed Forces will also require maths and English, however, the Level 3 qualification can be replaced with evidence of relevant clinical experience and in-house training.

The selection process will include an individual interview, which will assess you on your values, problem solving, and communication skills.

Fitness to Practise

Medical assessments of your mental and physical health and disclosure of criminal convictions apply to all nursing courses and are based on current NMC requirements.

Fees and Finance

Annual fees: £9,535 if you're from the UK.

Every trainee nursing associate on this direct entry course, will receive one payment of £1,000 to cover the entire two-year course.

Career Ready

Nursing is a rewarding and challenging career where you'll make a significant impact on people's lives. Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to register with the NMC as a nursing associate and you may have the opportunity to undertake a shortened nursing degree leading to registration as a nurse.

Placements

As a trainee nursing associate, you'll undertake 1,150 hours of practice placements in hospitals and the community. Your first placement will take place in the first term, after ten weeks of teaching.

You will undertake your placements at one of our partner Trusts: The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, North Tees and Hartlepool Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Nursing FAQs

• Do I need work experience? We appreciate that it is not possible to obtain work experience in the health or caring environment. As an alternative we would recommend that you investigate the field of nursing you are interested in through online resources, professional body websites and healthcare organisations so you can demonstrate a clear understanding of the role.
• What should I include in my personal statement? Your personal statement provides a unique opportunity to express your personal qualities and attributes related to a rewarding career in nursing. The statement should include a clear articulation of: Rationale for your choice of career, How your personality lends itself to a career as a nurse, Evidence of investigation of nursing as a career that demonstrates insight of the role, What attracts you to the profession, Personal qualities and transferable skills that may contribute to success in the course and profession, What sports/activities you enjoy and what skills you have developed.
• What does a nursing interview involve? Our interviews consist of an individual interview and group activity. For advice on how to prepare, please read our article on how to prepare for interviews for healthcare degrees. Interviews start in late November and will run until the summer.
• How many weeks' holiday is there each year? This information is still to be confirmed.
• How far will I have to travel for my placements? As part of the interview process, you'll be asked to rank your three preferred Trusts, and your Trust will be confirmed once you start the course. Please note it is not possible to guarantee your first choice. We would recommend that prior to your interview, you consider your preferred trust. All your placements will then take place in various locations within that trust, so the travel distance will vary.
• How long are the placement shifts? Your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours on a shift pattern which can include nights, early starts, evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Shifts can be anywhere between 7-12 hours and the pattern can vary between trusts. Your shifts will be confirmed four weeks prior to starting your placement. It's not possible to fit placements around school hours and holidays.