NS5002 - Theory 3: Perspectives on care across the age spectrum

In this module you will use different learning and teaching strategies suitable for a variety of learners. Methods of teaching will include interactive seminars and eLearning packages. Blended learning is a style of education in which students learn via electronic and online media which will support your face-to-face teaching. The open access to these materials will help you prepare for the range of face-to-face learning activities you will be expected to contribute to during the module delivery time.

Problem based learning workshops and seminars will facilitate group learning with your peers. The use of authentic case scenarios based on preventative interventions, acute and chronic condition presentations will guide your discussions and support the exchange and sharing of ideas related to the professional role of the nursing associate.

Workshops and seminars will help you to probe and explore the range of concepts relevant to the module and their relevance to providing and monitoring patient care provision and support learning with and from each other.

A series of formative activities will support you to adopt skills in self-direction, analysis, and problem-based learning. Formative activities will also give you the opportunity to explore prioritising, providing and monitoring care in complex situations associated with the module content. This will assist you in preparing for the summative assessment.

You will be supported by a dedicated team of academics specialising in nursing, midwifery, and health throughout this module. Ongoing guidance and feedback will be provided to ensure your understanding of safe nursing associate practice. You are expected to engage with the OSL packages in preparation for face-to-face teaching, group activities, and discussions. The module team is accessible in person, by email, telephone, and through Blackboard Ultra. You can also enhance your academic skills using Skills Plus, the university library's online learning resources.

Additional support includes a 24-hour IT helpline, a range of services from the Student Support and Wellbeing Team, and access to the university’s student portal for help with issues like disability, faith, counselling, mental health, finances, assessments, and welfare. These services can be accessed through email, the student portal, telephone, or in person at the help desk in university libraries.

Peer support will play a significant role in your learning. Engaging in discussion and debate with your peers will help deepen your understanding of the material. Additional resources, including the electronic reading list and other teaching materials, will be available via Blackboard Ultra and library services. Both the Coach Lane and City Campus libraries offer an extensive collection of hard copy and electronic materials, access to international databases, and training in information retrieval. All support will be aligned with your Student Accessibility Plan (SAP), if applicable.

Workshops and seminars will provide opportunities to prepare for your assessment, with peer discussions and activities designed to foster collaborative learning.

Further student support is available through Ask4Help, which offers both online and in-person assistance. They can direct you to a variety of academic and pastoral services, such as improving writing skills, support with assessment submissions, and personal or financial advice. Additionally, the programme team, including your Personal Tutor and Programme Leader, will be available to assist you throughout the module.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1 Demonstrate an understanding of co-morbidities and the demands of meeting people’s complex health and social care needs when prioritising care plans, considering reasonable adjustments, mental capacity, and the role of reflection in evaluating care decisions
2 Understand and respond to the challenges of providing safe, effective, and person-centred nursing associate care for families across the age spectrum, integrating reflective practice to improve care quality, interprofessional collaboration, and patient experiences
3 Understand the frameworks for health promotion and public health that address national preventative intervention programmes for health and well-being across the age spectrum within family and community settings, while critically reflecting on their relevance to nursing associate practice.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Demonstrate an understanding of data and other evidence and systematically evaluate its relevance to practice.
5. Recognise and assess the needs of at-risk individuals and families, applying shared decision-making and appropriate interventions to support physical, mental, and palliative care while demonstrating leadership, collaboration, and risk management


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
6. Demonstrate and understand the personal attributes and behaviours that promote effective team working within inter professional practice across diverse and complex environments, leveraging the commonalities among professionals.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of healthcare policies, political awareness, and ethical decision-making on patient safety, quality of care, and cost-effectiveness within inter-professional practice while reflecting on personal values, emotional intelligence, and leadership attributes

Formative Assessment:

Working in small peer groups you will find a professional health related poster to analyse and develop ideas about the elements needed to make a good poster

(MLO 1-7)



Summative Assessment:

You will develop a 1-page electronic poster (750 words) aimed at a professional audience which seeks to illustrate how a specific chronic condition impacts on health and care provision. This will be accompanied by a 1500-word supporting narrative analysing the impact of the chosen condition on pathophysiology, health promotion, treatment and care provision by the nursing associate.



Work will be submitted electronically via blackboard ultra and written feedback will be provided via the gradebook within blackboard ultra. (MLO1-7)

Study at L4

N/A

This module focuses on the essential knowledge and skills needed to support care for patients and families in various settings, emphasising both preventative interventions and the care of acutely and chronically ill individuals. You will explore the nursing associate's role in providing safe and effective care for patients with complex needs by analysing tools, frameworks, and the evidence base underpinning interventions. The module covers the trajectory of health and illness, from preventative care to acute diagnosis, chronic illness management, and end-of-life care. Key topics include health promotion, the biological basis of illness, applied pharmacology, evidence-based nursing associate practices, and governance issues related to safe and ethical care. Decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking will be emphasised to meet the diverse needs of patients and caregivers across various healthcare settings.