Northumbria
University has become the first higher education provider in the UK to have a new
Specialist Practice Qualification (SPQ) in Community Nursing adult social care approved
by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to support more nurses into
community nursing.
The
qualification will be available to registered nurses working in, or working
closely with teams and patients in, a social care setting such as residential
and nursing care homes, care at home, and hospices.
The
programme has been flexibly designed to ensure that it is accessible to as many
nurses as possible and can support them developing their skills and careers in
this vital area of nursing.
Speaking on
the new programme Professor Alison Machin, Head of Department, Nursing, Midwifery and Health at Northumbria University said: “Adult
social care nurses are often responsible for providing care for people with
multi-morbidities, chronic conditions, and are responsible for looking after
for people with some of the most complex clinical, emotional and care needs.
This new course goes a long way to recognising and raising the profile of the
level of skill required to fulfil the role.”
She added: “With
an ageing population, the role of adult social care nurses is only going to
grow as we strive to meet the goals set out by the Department of Health and
Social Care, NHS England and the integrated care boards.
“By giving
these nurses opportunities for more structured career progression, we should be
able to better attract and retain staff into this specialist area.”
The course
will be provided as an apprenticeship route or direct entry to registered
nurses on both a full-time (one year) or part-time (two years) basis to provide
flexibility for those working within the sector to complete their studies
around their other commitments.
Offering students
a combination for practical learning in an appropriate place of work – usually
their employer – and classroom education delivered by highly trained clinicians
and practice experts, the course is designed to enhance student learning and provide
opportunities to develop their networks and industry relationships.
Discussing
the value of SPQ programmes within this area Leanne Hume, Northern Region Lead
Nurse Independent Health and Social Care, Royal College of Nursing said: “The
launch of Northumbria University's Specialist Practitioner Qualification (SPQ)
in adult social care gives recognition to the unique demands and complexities
of this vital nursing field.
“By offering
tailored education and career progression opportunities, it elevates the skills
and profile of adult social care nurses whilst addressing the growing needs of our
population.
“This
initiative closely aligns with the Royal College of Nursing's vision for
nursing by championing specialised training, increasing career progression
opportunities, fostering retention, and ensuring patients have access to safe
and effective nurse staffing.”
Northumbria University is dedicated
to delivering high quality learning and development opportunities through
experiential teaching using simulation-based education and innovative virtual
reality technology to enhance practical learning, as well as providing
first-class pastoral support for students.
Professor
Deborah Sturdy Chief Nurse Adult Social Care at the Department of Health and
Social Care said, ““I am delighted to see the first course for social care
nurses approved and recognition of a specialist practice.
“This is
a significant step forward for the specialism and for the first time creates a
platform for sector nurses to develop their practice. I hope that Northumbria’s
success in developing this programme will act as a catalyst for others”.
Northumbria University is one of the
largest centres for healthcare professional education in the North of England,
offering a range of specialist degree and CPD programmes across many areas of nursing,
midwifery, social care, operating department practice, physiotherapy and
occupational therapy.
Northumbria University is dedicated
to reducing health and social inequalities, contributing to the regional and
national workforce and improving social, economic and health outcomes for the
most marginalised in society. Through its new Centre for Health and Social Equity, known as CHASE, researchers will
be delivering world-leading health and social equity research and creating
innovative, evidence-based policies and data-driven solutions to bring
impactful change across the region, the UK and globally.
Click here for more
information on about the new SPQ in adult social care.
