Faculty of Health

UCAS Conference on Competitive Admissions: Nursing and Midwifery

Faculty of Health

Val Lattimer, Helen Bell

Who we are…

• Professor Val Lattimer, Dean of Nursing and Midwifery

• Helen Bell, Director of Admissions, School of Nursing and Midwifery

Workshop plan

1. Your key questions 2. Modern nursing and midwifery careers3. Aspects of competitive admissions

• Entry requirements• Ingredients of a strong application

• Personal statement

• Work experience• Interview performance

• Common reasons for not being shortlisted4. Closing discussion

December 09, 2010

• Modern nursing and midwifery careers

Nursing and midwifery today

1. Significant developments in new role opportunities for nurses and midwives

• clinical specialist roles

• advanced practitioner roles• consultant posts • clinical academic research• executive roles • interdisciplinary working in every day practice • with doctors, physiotherapists, OTs,

pharmacists, social workers, paramedics2. NHS workforce reform is focusing on achieving

productivity following major investment in staffing

December 09, 2010

Nursing - an all graduate profession

1. By 2013 all nursing courses will be degree level (a Nursing and Midwifery Council requirement).

2. Universities are currently redesigning programmes and some will be all graduate from September 2011.

3. Current Diploma courses are being phased out during this period.

4. Universities will continue to focus on widening participation and non-traditional modes of access.

5. Graduate nurses will be clinical practitioners and leaders able to support the future plans for health care to be increasingly

• high quality and provided closer to home

• geared to the needs of an ageing population

December 09, 2010

Rewards

• Variety of fields of practice and opportunities to specialise

• Privilege of caring for people and their families

• Stimulating work and support for development

• Every day is different• Team work• Teaching and learning

Employment Opportunities

Employment with a local NHS Trust

Employment anywhere in the UK

Employment overseas

Post Registration Courses

Research

Newly qualified nurse / midwife

Band 5Point 16    21,176Point 17    21,798Point 18    22,663Point 19    23,563Point 20    24,554Point 21    25,472Point 22    26,483Point 23    27,534

December 09, 2010

NHS Nurse Consultant

Band 8cPoint 41    54,454Point 42    55,945Point 43    58,431Point 44    61,167Point 45    65,270Point 46    67,134

December 09, 2010

• Aspects of competitive admissions

Undergraduate options for degree with professional registration

• Adult nursing• Mental health nursing• Children’s nursing• Learning disabilities nursing

• Midwifery

December 09, 2010

An example of courses available at UEA

BSc (Hons)/Dip HE Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, Children’s, Learning Disabilities)

BSc (Hons) Midwifery

Postgraduate Diploma Midwifery

Main features of nursing and midwifery courses

3 year Diploma/Degree in Nursing (opportunity to transfer from Diploma to Degree)

3 year Degree in Midwifery 50% Theory 50% Practice

Development of Skills and CompetencyEvidence-based theory and practiceEnquiry Based Learning (EBL) approach Inter-Professional Learning

Core Qualities and Skills

Interested in people and their health

Potential to develop competency in clinical skills

Effective communication skills

The ability to work independently & in a team

The ability to work under pressure

A professional attitude

"Training to be a nurse has changed my whole outlook on life. Last year I was working in a factory, now I

am in a dynamic environment that offers a great career whilst helping others who are less fortunate. It is

fair to say that being a Student Nurse is challenging, however the patients and my colleagues make it

rewarding".

John Holsworth - Student Mental Health Nurse - February 2009 Cohort

Particular challenges

Prioritising – academic work/patient care

24 hour care, location of practice placements

Self-discipline to organise work

Potentially stressful

Responsibility and accountability

Physically and mentally demanding

Clinical PlacementsNursing

Placements take place in:

Acute Hospitals Nursing HomesCommunity HospitalsIndependent HospitalsCommunity Nurses, Health Visitors, and Midwives Health Centres and GP PracticesAmbulance TrustsElective options

All students are expected to be able to travel to placement areas but reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs may be available.

Financial Support

Student Bursary (inc. Dependants Allowances)

(non-means tested) for Diploma Courses (means tested) for Degree Courses

Financial Support for OFSTED Inspected Childcare

Financial Support for travel to Clinical Placement

Student Loans (degree students only)

No Tuition Fees

Entry requirements for School Leavers

• Three A-levels or A2 levels (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking)

• GCSE grades A-C in English Language/Literature, and Mathematics (science preferred)

• Academically equivalent qualifications• Foundation Degree in a Health, Care or Science subject

December 09, 2010

Ingredients of a strong application

• Personal statements• Appropriate work experience• Other aspects• Main reasons for not shortlisting candidates

December 09, 2010

• Closing discussion