What is nursing?
Nursing is a very skilled and intellectually challenging profession. This means that nurses must have a range of qualities such as the ability to communicate, to solve problems, to work well in a team of people and, above all, to be caring. It is often said that nursing combines the art and science of caring.
Caring will always be at the heart of nursing but the profession is also about much more – it’s about being the best nurse you can. Nurses are actively taking a more prominent role in the delivery of healthcare as part of a transformed NHS and this will develop further in the future. There has never been a more dynamic or exciting time to become a nurse.
We believe the nationally spearheaded decision to make the profession degree-level entry will excite and inspire a modern generation of new nurses. As a leader in nursing education, we have launched an innovative new degree course, which provides a qualification of the highest quality. The degree has a sharp focus on practical nursing skills at its core and is supported by rigorous theory and cutting-edge research based in a clinical hospital setting.
How will I study?
Courses are delivered at Nottingham or Derby. We use a variety of teaching methods including formal lectures, demonstrations, small-group work, project work, debates, tutorials, workshops, practical computer-assisted learning, seminar presentations, problem-based learning and simulated-skills teaching.
In order to reflect the close integration of theory and nursing practice, about 50 per cent of the planned hours of learning associated with each module are practice-based. Learning in practice occurs in selected wards, departments, schools, health centres, primary healthcare teams and other settings within the local NHS and independent healthcare sector and the social services sector. In these settings, guided observation, critical incident analysis, clinical teaching and student portfolios are used to help you reflect on your experiences and examine the relevance of your theoretical learning to nursing practice.
Assessment
We will use a variety of methods to test your knowledge and skills. Successful completion of our courses also leads to professional registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Career prospects
Graduates enjoy careers in a range of diverse settings. Nurses are the largest group of staff in the NHS and a UK Registered Nurse Qualification is widely recognised for employment in international nursing posts. Our graduates benefit from both an academic qualification and a professional qualification that serves to enhance their employment opportunities.
A newly qualified nurse working in the NHS can expect to be employed at a Band 5 with a salary ranging from £21,176 with progression up to £27,534. With career progression and development there is the prospect of applying for senior clinical posts – for example, Band 6 Ward Manager/Band 6 District Nurse (salary range £25,472-£34,189) and Band 7 Specialist Nurse (salary range £30,460-£40,157).
Application and interview
For all courses, selection is made on the basis of meeting entry requirements, academic potential and evidence of commitment to nursing. All offers are subject to attending a selection day; satisfactory health screening; criminal records disclosure; and eligibility for an NHS student bursary.
Open days
We hold regular open days from March to November; please visit our
website for details. University-wide open days are held in June and September – for details, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays