A new UK nursing course, launched last year, has recruited its second
group of student nurses.
The 18-month full-time work-based nursing degree was the first course of
its kind when it was launched by Northumbria University, Newcastle and
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in March 2016.
Traditionally a three-year qualification, the 18-month nursing course is
aimed at people with a healthcare background and leads to a BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies/Registered Nurse (Adult) degree which is
recognised by professional regulatory body, the Nursing and Midwifery Council
(NMC).
The latest course sees a further ten new student nurses carry out a mix
of classroom-based teaching simulated clinical skills and hands-on practical
experience in hospitals and the community across Northumberland and North
Tyneside.
Professor Pam Dawson, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor
for Strategic Workforce Planning and Development at Northumbria University,
said: “Due to success of the first course we are delighted to extend the
programme to a further group of nursing students.
“The course with Northumbria Healthcare
is a real trail blazer with other NHS trusts and higher education institutions now
following in our footsteps.
“Northumbria University has a
long-standing excellent reputation for delivering high quality innovative nurse
education and training. This programme uses a new approach of workplace-based
coaching to support student nurses’ teaching and learning, keeping quality of
patient care at the forefront.”
Northumbria Healthcare, which runs hospitals and community services in
Northumberland and North Tyneside, has provided funding for the students to
undertake the degree and they are guaranteed an interview with the trust once
they graduate.
As of 2017, student nurses no longer receive a bursary from the
Government but are expected to fund it themselves, as is the case for all other
courses.
Applicants for the course went through a rigorous application and
assessment process with strict criteria to determine their previous experience
and suitability, before starting the programme. This included assessments by
both the trust and the university, and a full-day workshop where applicants’
responses to simulated scenarios were observed.
Debbie Reape, interim executive director of nursing at Northumbria
Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our 18-month nurse training programme
caused quite a stir in the nursing world when it was launched in March last
year and we are delighted with how our recruits are progressing, thanks to
their hard work and determination and our excellent partnership with
Northumbria University, Newcastle.
“Like every trust in the country we continue to face recruitment challenges
and we are passionate about building on our strong foundations of nurse
training and playing our part in developing the workforce of the future. This
latest intake of student nurses shows our continued support to nurse education
and it is flattering to know that so many are now following our lead.”
Nine of the student nurses already worked in healthcare-related roles for
Northumbria Healthcare.
Sophie Haywood, from Morpeth, previously studied Criminology
at Northumbria University before travelling and working in car sales. She said:
“When I left university I wanted to be a nurse, after I travelled, I joined
Northumbria as a healthcare assistant on a cardiology unit and learned so much
whilst I was there. I was incredibly anxious waiting to find out if my
application had been successful as this opportunity is not available anywhere
else in the country and I couldn’t have afforded the tuition fees. It is not an
easy option but I feel so lucky and I'm loving every minute so far.”
Jacqui Barker, from Monkseaton, has two sons and worked for the trust
for 15 years in various roles, including occupational therapy. She said: “This
is just an amazing opportunity. I always wanted to be a nurse but I also loved
my job. For me it was about timing with juggling a family and finances. I am
much more settled now.
“I didn’t think I would be successful but I love studying and you’re
never too old. I feel incredibly grateful to be here and can’t wait to start my
placements.”
Liam Darling-Cooper has a young son and lives in North Shields. He was worked in the NHS
for 13 years in a range of roles, including as a health and fitness facilitator
and in smoking and weight management.
He said: “I am thoroughly enjoying the course; all the studying can be a
bit of a struggle as there is a lot to get through in 18 months but I love it.
Having clinical experience and practical experience of working in the NHS has
been a huge asset and meant we can hit the ground running. My wife is a nurse
at Northumbria and thinks it’s fantastic. This is such a great opportunity as
many people can’t afford to go back to study full time, it’s such a privilege.”
Sarah Lindman, from North Shields, worked in health and social care in nursing and
residential homes after leaving school. She joined Northumbria in 2002 as a healthcare
assistant and worked in intensive care helping to set up a new rehabilitation
service for patients. She said: “I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was a child
but didn’t have the confidence until working on the new intensive care rehabilitation
project.
“My mum had always wanted to be a midwife but didn’t get to pursue it so
my parents are proud as punch. Now I’m doing this I don’t know why I didn’t do
it sooner. I absolutely love it. I can’t thank the trust enough for this
opportunity. They’ve played a huge part in my development and the support from
the university is second to none.”
Dorathy Oparaeche is one of two student nurses on the course
who are originally from Nigeria and living in Newcastle. Dorothy has two young
children. She worked as a nurse in Nigeria and has a masters in public health.
For the last three years, she has worked at Hexham General Hospital as a
nursing assistant on a medical ward. She said: “I love caring and nursing, and
getting to know patients. It’s not easy studying with two young children but my
husband is amazing and ensures I have the time to study. I couldn’t do it
without his support. The university staff are great too; nothing is too much
trouble.”
Hanna Whincup, originally from Poland, lives in Northumberland and has three grown-up
children. She has lived in England since 1989. Her daughter is also studying
for a degree at Northumbria University in Nutrition. She said: “At the age of
40 I was made redundant. I always knew I wanted to work in care or nursing and
so I joined Northumbria in 2009 as a healthcare assistant before becoming a health
trainer. After completing a foundation degree two years ago I saw this as a
great chance to follow my dream – a career in nursing, which is so close to my
heart and I didn’t want to regret not going for it.”
Emma Hay, from South Shields, was working as a healthcare assistant at the RVI
in Newcastle before applying for the course. She said: “The fact the course was
18 months really appealed to me as I was keen to qualify as soon as possible.
“I was really excited to start the course and my family and friends are
incredibly proud of me. Having been a healthcare assistant has helped
significantly with the training and the support you get from the university and
the trust is fantastic. I just can’t wait to start my placements.”
At the end of the course, the students will be ideally placed to work in
hospitals or in the community – a key part of work led by Northumbria
Healthcare to develop new models of care in Northumberland as a national
vanguard site as chosen by NHS England.
The 10 student nurses on the first
course are due to graduate this autumn. The course has also been viewed
positively by the NMC following a monitoring visit where it was highly
commended in the verbal feedback.
For more information visit www.northumbria.nhs.uk/nursecourse.
