Foundation Degree FDSC Nursing Associate (NMC 2018) (Apprenticeship)

As there are multiple entry points (January, April, June and October) in the year the traditional semester approach is not applicable. One module is undertaken at a time. However, you will undertake semester’s assessments at set points during each year, in line with other university students.

Year 1

• Biosciences for Nursing Associates (20 credits) – Semester 1
  This module provides an understanding of the structure and function of the main body’s systems and how the human body maintains homeostasis. The content of this module has been selected and developed to equip apprentice Nursing Associates with the necessary knowledge to inform their nursing practice and provide and for progression throughout the programme. This knowledge will enable students to go on to develop an understanding of pathophysiological processes and the fundamentals of pharmacology. Students are supported in their learning with extensive use of teaching strategies such as key lectures, workbooks and e-learning.
• Communication and person-centred care (20 credits) – Semester 1
  The focus of this module is on patient-centred care to promote patient safety. Nursing Associates need to learn how communication can influence practice as well as therapeutic relationships and how to assimilate theoretical knowledge into practice to improve patient safety. It will identify the need for a range of alternative communication techniques to effectively manage, maintain and promote safe care. This module explores the actions a Nursing Associate takes to ensure that each person receives appropriate person-centred care, treatment and support.
• Introducing evidence-based practice for Nursing Associates (20 credits) – Semester 2
  This module introduces the nature of evidence in health and social care and the importance of evidence-based practice for patients and their families and their safety and quality of experience. Students will develop skills in accessing evidence, gain familiarity with the library, including the use of electronic databases and learn how to use the University’s referencing system for their material. Students will learn key terms relating to research and evidence-based practice and be introduced to an evidence-based practice model. The module also sets out the context for the conduct of health and social care research, including funding and ethical aspects.
• Recognising and meeting care needs (60 credits) – Semesters 1 and 2
  This module will introduce students to the values, frameworks and skills that underpin working as a Nursing Associate. The module focuses on different methods and frameworks engaged in holisticcare underpinned by evidence-based practice. The module is mapped against the Standards of proficiency for Nursing Associates (NMC, 2018) and prepares students to carry out fundamental nursing skills across the four fields of nursing, utilizing a combination of teaching methods including theory to support clinical skills in practice.

Year 2

• Promoting health and preventing ill health for Nursing Associates (20 credits) – Semester 1
  This module introduces public health concepts and contemporary public health issues, the principles of which can then be applied at an individual and population level and within a local, national, and global context. This module of study is aligned to the NMC Standard, promoting health, and preventing ill health (NMC(2018) Standards of proficiency for Nursing Associates – platform2.
• Applied physiology for Nursing Associates (20 credits) – Semester 1
  This module will extend and deepen students’ understanding of human physiology, which will then be applied to physiological changes that take place during disease processes. Knowledge of cell receptors and some receptor groups will be linked to physiological activity in different systems then linked to the effects of certain drugs and the changes they elicit within body systems.
• Pharmacology and medicines management for Nursing Associates (20 credits) – Semester 2
  This module aims to consolidate knowledge and understanding of the principles of pharmacology and medicines management to ensure students are ready to administer medicines upon registration with the NMC. It will explore and discuss the principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics alongside the pharmacology of groups of drugs commonly used in clinical practice. It will consider and evaluate the roles and responsibilities of the Nursing Associate in relation to the safe administration of medication in clinical practice.
• Team Working and Role Transition (20 credits) – Semester 2
  This module will develop and build effective team working and leadership skills in a complex and multidimensional health care setting. It will explore theoretical models of leadership, teamwork alongside quality improvement and patient safety and provide an opportunity to explore how these concepts interrelate and impact the delivery of care and prepare the student for the transition from student to registered Nursing Associate. The module will also review the skills, attitudes and behaviours that support personal development and lifelong learning in themselves.
• Providing and monitoring care for Nursing Associates (40 credits)- Semesters 1 and 2
  This module builds on students’ existing knowledge and skills and extends these for application to more complex scenarios across the life span. The module focuses on the collaborative planning, delivery, and evaluation of holistic care alongside that of a registered nurse. It will also enable students to recognize, respond to and act upon their clinical findings of a patient who is deteriorating. The module is mapped against the NMC, 2018)standards of proficiency for Nursing Associates and prepares students to think more critically about and carry out more complex nursing skills. The module uses a combination of teaching methods including simulated practice.

When you finish the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration as a Nursing Associate with the NMC. This allows you to practice within the UK in NHS Trusts/hospitals, particularly where you gained experience during training. Qualified nursing associates can also go on to train as a registered nurses by putting their training towards a shortened nursing degree or registered nurse degree apprenticeship (RNDA).

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
• Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

A variety of teaching and assessment methods are used to support individuals learning styles and build competence in various methods of assessment. Teaching includes lectures, seminars, skills-lab simulations, online learning, role-play, debates/discussion, as well as supervised learning within the clinical area. Assessment methods utilised include essays, group projects, written examinations, presentations, and OSCEs.

Apprentices must demonstrate competence in all skills, knowledge, and behaviours, as defined by the integrated Degree Apprenticeship Standard. In order to successfully complete the award, apprentices must also evidence a minimum of 20% of their time in ‘of the job training’ activities, this can be achieved in a variety of ways; attending lectures, seminars/workshops, tutorials, skills-lab sessions, e-learning, blended learning and self-managed learning.

All applicants must hold:

Maths and English GCSE A-C or grade 4 or level 2 equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above) AND

48 UCAS tariff points e.g.:

• BTEC National Extended Diploma (PPP) or
• BTEC National Diploma (MP) or
• BTEC National Foundation Diploma (M) or
• BTEC Extended Certificate (D) or
• A level (DD) or
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications

OR (for applicants who do not meet (partially or in full) the 48 UCAS tariff points required):

• Significant, verifiable, and relevant work experience in health and/or social care, supported by a letter of recommendation from the manager and/or lead practice facilitator confirming the following has been assessed:
• their ability to study to level 5 foundation degree level
• the values and behaviours of the NHS Constitution
• a commitment to completing the programme.

Additionally, apprentice students must:

• Be employed in a health/social care organisation and be working a minimum of 30 hours per week.
• Be sponsored by a manager in an employing organisation who commits to ensuring students are supported to undertake day release and to attend off the job training, protected learning time and supernumerary status.

All prospective students will undergo a face to face or online values-based interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme.

The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations; read notices of PhD studentships.

Funding

The cost of the apprenticeship is paid fully by the employer (sometimes part funded by the government) through apprenticeship levy. The apprenticeship levy is a pot of money some companies pay into, which all businesses have access to spend on the training costs of apprenticeships. Companies fall into two categories: levy-payers (who pay into the pot) and non-levy payers (who do not). You can find out more in our Levy and Funding section, specifically for employers

The apprentice does not contribute toward the cost of study.

Bands

Apprenticeship standards are all assigned a funding band by the Government – these funding bands are the maximum amount the Government will fund via the levy towards a given apprenticeship standard. There are currently 30 funding bands ranging from £1,000 to £27,000.

Incentives

Employers with less than 50 staff sending an apprentice aged 16-18 will have 100% of the training costs paid by the government. All employers who employ an apprentice aged 16-18 on the first day of teaching will receive a £1,000 incentive from the government. You can find out more in our Levy and Funding section, specifically for employers.

Cost

You can find out the funding band for an Apprenticeship Standard on the Government website. To find out how much we are charging, please get in touch with us at apprenticeships@lsbu.ac.uk