Only Social Work applicants need to pay for their DBS. It costs £46 and can be purchased on our online store.
Overview
The Nursing Associate is a highly trained, generic, nursing support role in England designed to bridge the gap between Healthcare Support Workers and Registered Nurses to deliver hands-on, person-centred care as part of the multidisciplinary team.
Successful completion of this course gives you registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Nursing Associate. It can also be a stepping-stone to becoming a Registered Nurse or progress in your career within the health and social care sector.
The course is a combination of theoretical and practice learning. You will attend university once a week and work-based learning the rest of the week. You will be taught and supported by experienced academics who also teach in the BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing, Learning Disability, Mental Health and Children’s Nursing. You will have practice placements in a range of clinical specialties and healthcare settings in hospitals and the community. You will be supported by practice supervisors and practice assessors, to develop clinical and interpersonal skills and experience in caring for people with different healthcare needs across the lifespan.
You will have access to all university facilities including our skills laboratories, lecture theatres, library, student services and the student union.
Trusts will include:
Barts Healthcare NHS Trust
Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust
Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
North East London NHS Foundation Trust
| Application Deadline | Programme Induction / Enrolment Date | Programme Start Date | Teaching Day |
|---|---|---|---|
12 December 2022 | 23 January 2023 | 30 January 2023 | Thursday |
| TBC | TBC | January 2024 | TBC |
Accreditation NMC
Mode | Duration | Start Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Full-Time (Havering) | 2 years | January | Havering Campus |
| ModeFull-time | Duration2 years | Start dateJanuary | Application code5576 | Application method UCAS |
Location
The Havering Campus is located at Goldcrest Way, Harold Wood, Romford, RM3 0BE. It's a short walk from Harold Wood Railway station, off Gubbins Lane.
Walk or bicycle
Bike racks are available at Havering Campus.
By train
Trains run frequently from Liverpool Street and Stratford station to Harold Wood station. The campus is a 10 minute walk from the station via Gubbins Lane and St Clements Avenue. The new Elizabeth line, set to open in autumn 2019, will stop at Harold Wood station.
By car
Harold Wood is signposted as a turning off the main A12 trunk road between Junction 28 of the M25 and the A12/A127 Gallows Corner roundabout. Please be aware there are no parking facilities available for students on campus.
TfL journey planner
You can travel to Havering Campus by using public transport, plan your journey using the Transport for London journey planner.
Entry Level Requirements
- 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 qualification
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.:
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United Kingdom
£7710.00
Tuition fees for home students
International
£15900.00
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Full-time | Duration 2 years | Start date January | Application code 5576 | Application method UCAS |
Interview
As part of the selection process, you'll be expected to attend an interview on MS Teams. We'll invite you to book your interview by email.
You may not need to attend an interview if you can demonstrate within your UCAS application that you have:
* A minimum of six months' experience in a clinical nursing environment, working under the supervision of a registered nurse at all times.
* A reference from a senior registered nurse (Band 7/Practice Educator/non-NHS equivalent)
If you are shortlisted but do not satisfy the criteria above, then you will be required to attend an interview.
International applicants
If you’re an International student (non-EU national) the application process may involve further steps. Contact the International Office as soon as possible to discuss the admissions steps and the immigration requirements: internat@lsbu.ac.uk or +44 (0) 20 7815 6189.
Results
If you are unsuccessful in your application to LSBU for this year you cannot apply through UCAS Extra or Clearing. However you can apply for the following year. It is important that you read the comments in the results statement so that you are prepared for any other interviews you may have.
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities. Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Prepare to start
Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)
All pre-registration students need to be DBS cleared before going on placement. You’ll need to have an enhanced DBS check even if you have had one before and will not be able to go on placement until this is complete.
The DBS process is not difficult but can take some time so it's best to get started as soon as you receive your email. You will receive the email during Summer 2023.
DBS update service
If you're part of the DBS update service, your subscription is up to date and you already have a DBS certificate, please bring in your original green DBS certificate for the document check. To take advantage of the update service, your certificate needs to be classified as 'Enhanced' and workforce must be listed as 'Adult and Child'. If you have any queries, please email us at hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.
How to complete your DBS
Our DBS supplier, Verifile, will send you an email with all the details you need to complete your DBS.
Verifile will give you instructions to log into their system and complete your personal details and information. To complete the process, you'll need your passport or driving licence and 5-year address history including dates when you moved in/out.
You can use your application number to track the progress of your DBS.
When you've finished, your Disclosure Statement will be mailed to the most recent address in your submission, so please make sure it's correct. We don't automatically receive a copy of this Statement, which is why we need you to bring it in as part of the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to declare on my DBS?
Please include any and all major and minor, spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warning and reprimands, even if they relate to juvenile offences or seem trivial or unimportant. Some minor offences will not prevent you from going on placement or being offered a place on your course, but still need to be reviewed so it’s best to be honest and include everything. Also, the more information you include about any offences can help reduce the time it takes to assess them.
I’ve applied for/had a DBS in past. Do I need to do it again?
Yes, you do. You need to have an up-to-date DBS. Once you have received the email from our DBS supplier make sure you start the process straight away. All details of how to do this will be outlined in the email. If you don’t complete your DBS in the timeframe given, we may withdraw your offer even if term has already started. So it’s important that you get started as soon as you receive the email.
Why do I need an enhanced DBS check?
Government legislation requires all Higher Education Institutions who offer courses where students may come into unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults to have this check. These checks also help us to ensure duty of care to our students, and create a safer environment for patients seen by our students.
Who reviews my DBS?
As part of the University’s admissions process, declarations of any offence may be referred to a virtual panel made up of senior managers from partner NHS Trusts and/or other sectors within Health and Social Care. Any DBS that is considered by the panel will be anonymised. The panel members then deliberate and make a recommendation whether the application be rejected, accepted or request further information or documents.
When will I hear back from the panel about my DBS?
If you have declared an offence, we might ask for more information from you in writing which will help the panel make a decision. Once your declaration has been referred to the panel it can take up to 28 working days to be processed.
Which address do I use?
You need to put your current address on your DBS application because this is where your Statement will be mailed. If you’ve moved house between submitting and receiving your DBS, make sure you have mail forwarding set up so that you’ll receive your statement. If you’ve moved recently, make sure you have proof of your new address (such as a new bank statement) to bring for your document checks.
I’ve lost my statement. What do I do?
If you’ve lost your statement you will need to pay £46 to purchase a new one.
I’ve had my application rejected due to my DBS declaration/disclosure. Can I appeal the decision?
Yes. If your application has been rejected due to your DSB declaration/discloser, you will be sent a letter to confirm this. There will be instructions in the letter about how you can appeal and which supporting information you need to provide. Once a decision has been made you will receive a letter from the School Executive Team.
Document check
Once you have completed the online part of the DBS process, you will need to produce three accepted documents from this list (PDF File 248 KB) to be verified.
Document check on campus
Southwark: Southwark Student Help Desk in the K2 building Monday – Friday between 9am-11am or 1pm-4pm
Havering: come to reception at Havering Monday – Friday between 8:30-10:30am, 12-2pm, 4-5pm
Document check at the Post Office
If you’re not able to come to campus, you can get your documents checked and certified at the Post Office for a fee of £10.50. To do this, make photocopies of your three accepted ID documents and take your DBS form, copies and originals of your documents to the Post Office. The Post Office will stamp the form and photocopies and given them back to you. Email your post office receipt, stamped form and stamped documents to hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.
Occupational Health (OH)
An exciting part of many of our Health and Social Care courses is the opportunity to learn off-campus and work with patients, clients and/or service users. Before you start, we need to make sure that you have the correct levels of immunisations.
Questionnaire
Once you have enrolled, students will be asked to complete an occupational health check, the first part is completing an online questionnaire sent from our occupational health provider.
GP appointment
The second part of your occupational health check is to get any inoculations that you may need from your GP. When attending your GP appointment, please take printed copies of these two documents with you.
Vaccination Screening Advisory Letter (PDF File 126 KB)
GP Vaccination and Screening History (PDF File 117 KB)
Occupational Health appointment
After these steps are complete you will receive an email from OHWorks Ltd inviting you to attend an appointment on-campus with an Occupational Health Nurse. These appointments take place during the week and sometimes when your classes have already started.
The OH team have prepared this guide (PDF File 588 KB) which outlines what to expect at each stage. If you have queries or concerns about your Occupational Health clearance or inoculations please contact the Occupational Health team.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be double vaccinated?
Yes - government legislation advises that everyone must be double vaccinated to work in a health care setting with effect from 1 April 2022.
My local GP doesn’t have my vaccination history. What should I do?
Contact the OH team at lsbu@ohworks.co.uk who will be able to advise you.
What if I can’t make my OH appointment?
Please contact the OH team to reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. Remember that you won’t be able to go on placement until you’re cleared.
I’ve already registered with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit (DDS). Do I still need to tell the OH Nurse about my condition?
Yes. Tell the OH Nurse about all conditions including specific learning difficulties even if you’ve declared these in the past. This will allow us to make reasonable adjustments whilst you’re on placement.
If I’ve declared a condition to the OH Nurse, do I need to register with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit as well?
The information you share with the OH Nurse will be treated with confidence, meaning that it won’t be automatically shared with the DDS team. The DDS team can help you to receive support for your lectures, assignments and exams so it’s worth to register with them and provide evidence of your condition if you need this support.
Numeracy practice
Before starting your course, you may want to check or practice your numeracy skills. The National Numeracy Challenge is a free online tool that helps you learn, revise and quiz your essential numeracy skills. You’ll also be able to get a certificate to show your efforts.
Enrolment and Welcome Week
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our new students pages.
Uniforms
Most placements and some practical sessions in our skills laboratories will require you to wear a uniform and name badge. You will be measured for uniforms specific to your course as part of your Welcome Week activities after enrolment. In the meantime, we have prepared answers to frequently asked questions that you might find useful.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get a uniform for when I go on placement?
Yes, LSBU will supply you with uniforms for your placement with the exception of Social Work and Health and Social Care BSc students who are not required to wear uniforms for their placements.
Which uniforms will I receive?
Nursing and midwifery students will receive two pairs of trousers, three tunics and a name badge. Polo shirts will be issued instead of tunics for students studying mental health nursing, physiotherapy, chiropractic and sport rehabilitation. ODP students will receive one set of scrubs top and trousers.
How long do the uniforms need to last?
The items are to last for the duration of your programme of study.
How do I know what size I am?
A measuring and distribution service will be available by the uniform provider at both Southwark and Havering campuses. As garments are fitted for work purposes they need to allow for flexibility of movement so it’s best to have the uniform provider measure you up.
Am I able to request a longer tunic?
You can request a longer tunic for religious or medical reasons. To do this, you should advise the uniform supplier at the measuring session. These tunics are 2 inches longer and sleeves finish just above the elbows. Due to infection control, full length sleeves are not permitted.
Can I use a preferred name or a nickname on my name badge?
Name badges are professional and need to include your formal names.
What do I do if I lose or damage my name badge?
You can order a replacement name badge direct with the uniform provider. Badges need to be worn at all times when you are at placement.
Can I order more uniforms?
You are welcome to purchase additional items at Work in Style. You will need to log in using your student ID and then follow the step-by-step instruction. Please note that dresses are not available.
Can I try on my uniforms?
You should try on your uniforms the day you receive them so that the staff at the measuring service can help arrange any size exchanges. If you choose not to try on your uniforms and require different sizes at a later date you will need to purchase these through the uniform provider’s online portal at your own cost.
What do I do with my uniform after I complete my studies?
They are yours to keep – you do not need to return the garments.
Practice placements
Most health and social care courses’ practice placements will operate outside normal working hours e.g. evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Holidays
Your holiday periods will not follow the normal University timetable because of placements. You’ll receive more details once you start your course.
Prepare to start
We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
Additional Information
Nursing Associate Students will be based at Bart’s Health NHS Trust, Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust (MSE), Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT).
As there is one entry point (January) 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.
Careers
Employability Service
We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.
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:
- An 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.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
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).
The Nursing & Midwifery Council - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (nmc.org.uk)
The Nursing and Midwifery Council – Nursing Associates
The Institute for Apprenticeship and Technical Education
Education and Skills Funding Agency
Professional Accreditation
This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:
Nursing and Midwifery Council
Teaching and Assessment
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.