Teaching
You will be taught through a combination of interactive workshops, lectures and seminars. Case studies (developed in partnership with service users), support a scenario-based approach to learning which facilitates small group activities and discussions, leading to shared and individual problem-solving and decision-making. A blended learning approach uses a range of strategies including the virtual learning environment, flipped classroom and e-learning packages, which promote personalised engagement with learning.
You will meet with your personal academic tutor 4 times in year one and 3 times in year 2.
The University places emphasis on enabling students to develop the independent learning capabilities that will equip you for lifelong learning and future employment, as well as academic achievement. A mixture of independent study, teaching and academic support from Student Services and Library Services, and also the personal academic tutoring system enables you to reflect on progress and build up a profile of skills, achievements and experiences that will help you to flourish and be successful. With study skills embedded into the early stages of the course to help promote student achievement and confidence with learning and assessment.
At the core of the Nursing Associate programme is learning in a range of clinical settings, learning in the real world which facilitates work-readiness, personal and professional development. Mandatory practice learning equates to 50% of the programme credit for each year. Nursing Associate placements will be arranged by the Work-Based Learning Support Office (WBSLO) and will run throughout each semester across the year, with experiences normally in a minimum of two practice placements each year. The use of ‘spokes’ will also maximise the learning opportunities offered by diverse and non-traditional settings, offering exposure to opportunities to care for people across the lifespan, with mental and physical health needs and learning disabilities. Enhanced learning days rooted in clinical practice, provide opportunities to consolidate learning, provide opportunity for reflection, complete project activities and inter-professional learning opportunities and seek additional support as necessary to promote inclusive learning in the practice setting
While on placement you are supernumerary and are supported by a practice supervisor and assessed by a practice assessor, both having undergone appropriate preparation for their roles. Further support is provided by the zoned academic for the setting, the inter-professional team, a nominated person (usually a member of the practice education team) and an academic assessor allocated for each part of the programme. You will have access to the internet and library resources whilst on placement.
You will be provided with opportunity to complete skills and simulated learning activities. All skills and simulation activities involve a range of people including students, peers, service users/carers, practitioners, technicians, academics and includes role play, ‘hands on’ practical skills sessions using a range of simulation manikins, video recording and playback. Formative feedback on performance is provided to facilitate safe and effective support for essential skills development, in state of the art simulation suites, replicating hospital and community practice learning environments. You will be allocated 2 weeks (37 hours per week) in each year for skills and simulation teaching.