Work-Based Learning Programme for the Honour’s Degree

in Pre-Registration Nursing

(employees from health or care settingswith health-related foundation degrees)

Information andFrequently Asked Questions

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Version Control

Version Status Reason for Change Date(mm/yyyy)

Editor

0.1/2016 DRAFT Format updated to align with advanced entry Master’s in pre-registration adult nursing pack

04/2016 Sue Hill

1.1/20160 Published Format and content changes. Pay scale increased to represent 2016/17 AfC pay rise.

11/05/16 Laura Mallett

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Table of Contents

Section Title Page(s)

Information on Work-Based Learning Routes into pre-registration nursing 4

General information – questions and answers 4-8

Flow chart showing the Steps for recruitment and selection onto the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing 9

Step 1: Expression of Interest – applying for a place on the programme 10

Step 2: Selection by Employer (nominating an applicant for the HEI selection process) 13

Step 3: Selection by the HEI for a conditional offer for a place on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing 14

Step 4: Applicants with a conditional offer undertake the APEL process 15

Step 5: Applicants start the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing 17

How do I find out more information? 18

Appendix 1: Person Specification 19

Appendix 2: Expression of Interest/Application Form 21

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Information on the Work-Based Learning routes into pre-registration nursing

This information sheet is intended for anyone who would like an overview of the Work-Based Learning routes into pre-registration nursing.

What are the Work-Based Learning routes into pre-registration nursing?

These are educational pathways that have been designed in response to requests from the NHS Service Providers for complementary alternatives to the conventional three year Honour’s degrees for nurse education, as currently provided by local Higher Education Institutions (HEIs are also known as universities).

This particular Work-Based Learning (WBL) Programme provides a route into nursing for staff working as health/care support workers or in assistant practitioner positions. This group of individuals may not have been able to access the conventional nursing pathway but have completed a healthcare foundation degree. The most frequently cited reason for this group not accessing nursing degree programmes is the need to continue to earn a salary. For this reason, we have developed this specific work based ‘earn as you learn’ pathway that Accredits Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

This WBL Programme offers the opportunity to gain accreditation for having completed a healthcare foundation degree. The contents of healthcare foundation degrees, which are primarily designed for trainee assistant practitioners, have been mapped against the Nursing & Midwifery Council’s (NMC) requirements for nursing registration. The mapping has shown that there can be accreditation against some of the NMC’s requirements enabling the remaining aspects of the Pre-Registration Nursing Degree to be completed in 18 months.

This WBL Programme provides a ‘grow your own’ route for those holding a foundation degree and will create registered nurses from individuals that are already experienced, valued staff who demonstrate the right values and culture for the NHS.

Why?

This WBL Programme has been developed in response to a number of national and local publications/ recommendations as well as a local desire for an alternative to the traditional 3-year undergraduate delivery model.

What does it involve?

In the WBL Programme all students will have prior learning from their foundation degree accredited to allow entry to the existing pre-registration programme at the midway point. The students will then complete the final 18-months of the existing programme.

All students will remain in employment within their ‘host’ organisation and ‘earn as they learn’.

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General information

Can an individual without a foundation degree be considered for this Programme?

Not at this time, the applicant will be required to hold a suitable foundation degree to enable accreditation against the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements.

What is the WBL Programme model?

It is an educational model that enables individuals to become student nurses for a proportion of the working week, whilst delivering service as a health care support worker for the remainder of the working week.

What will be included in the WBL Programme model?

It is expected that students on the WBL Programme will be working in an organisation that is willing to support their learning within this pathway, in terms of funding and placements.It is expected that the individual will be employed by the organisation as Registered Nurse upon successful completion. This provides students with continuity of employment and return on investment for the organisation.All individuals will work two days per week supernumerary as a student nurse within their organisation.

The students are expected to work two consecutive 7.5 hour days within the ‘home base’. These days will be set for the duration of the programme and will be negotiated between the student, employer and the HEI to ensure that both the service and educational needs are met.

A university student uniform and ID will be worn on these two days. Where uniforms are not used within the placement area student nurses are recommended to wear an informal uniform, in addition to their ID, to visually re-enforce their differing roles.

The remaining 22.5 contracted hours will be worked in their substantive employed post. However this may differ from organisation to organisation.

There will be a full induction week at the beginning of the programme, which will take place within the Higher Education Institute (HEI) and a further 20 study days. These study days will be ‘face to face’ with the HEI and will be included in the two days per week when the student is supernumerary.

The student nurse will also have three periods of 4 weeks each in an alternative placement area where they will be supernumerary for 37.5 hours per week. During this period the student nurse may be in an alternative organisation or within a different area of their employing organisation. They will be expected to work the standard hours within that service, following the shifts of their mentor including weekends.

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General information

There will be a requirement that they undertake a minimum of 4 and maximum of 10 night shifts during their programme to meet the requirements of the NMC.

In addition the student nurses will be expected to undertake 14 hours of self-directed study per week. This will be directed by the HEI and will fulfil the majority of the theoretical hours required.

Currently there is a requirement for the student to be in full time employment (37.5 hours per week) in the organisation for the period of the programme.

How long will the WBL Programme take to complete?

The university will accredit the foundation degree and the individual’s prior work experience towards the work-based learning programme. This means the student will be able to enter the current three year pre-registration nursing programme at the mid-way point; therefore leaving 18 months of the programme to complete.

What types of programmes are available?

WBL Programmes in adult or mental health pre-registration nursing are currently available, although some HEIs may differ in terms of what programmes they are able to offer.

What is the application process?

The first stage is for the individual to gain the support and agreement of their line manager/Matron and to put forward an ‘Expression of Interest’ to the Education Lead within their employing organisation. In the absence of a named lead they should be put forward to Laura Mallett, Strategic Development Manager, Norfolk and Suffolk Workforce Partnership, HEE (laura.mallett1@nhs.net).There is a standard Expression of Interest form. Please contact your education lead or Laura Mallett for a copy. They can also be obtained from the Norfolk & Suffolk Workforce Partnership website – (https://heeoe.hee.nhs.uk/wps/node/2468)

If the individual is successful at the internal interview within their employing organisation, they will be supported through the application process with the HEI.Please note: success at the internal interview with an employer does NOT guarantee the right to an interview with the HEI or the right to an offer of a place on the WBL Programme.

The interview process at the HEI will be the same as for all other pre-registration nursing interviews. In addition, the HEIs can only consider candidates that meet the necessary requirements and have been successfully selected by their employer.

Support from the employer does not guarantee an interview with the HEI. The HEI will further shortlist candidates upon application.

Does there need Individuals can step straight onto the WBL Programme if they have successfully

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General information

to be a gap between completing the foundation degree and starting the WBL Programme?

completed the foundation degree and have been interviewed successfully by both their employer and the HEI.However, employers may wish potential candidates to have had a period of consolidation after completing the foundation degree and prior to being considered for this Programme.

Do individuals require specific numeracy and literacy qualifications?

No, there are no additional requirements for numeracy and literacy. However all candidates will be tested for their competence in numeracy and literacy by the HEIs during the application process, in line with all other pre-registration nursing programmes.Sample test papers will be available and individuals may benefit from additional support or study skills in preparation for being tested on the day of interview.

How much will it cost the individuals?

There is no financial cost to the individual for the educational aspect of the programme, however there may be other financial implications such as

salary may be reduced for the two ‘student’ days

o there will be no unsocial hours payments on the two student days

o there may be no incremental pay increases for the salary on these student days.

The student will be unable to undertake any other employed work over their 37.5 hour contract and 14 hours per week Self Directed study within the 18 month period, even during annual leave. This is in order to comply with the EU working time directive. This will be monitored closely by both the organisation and the university. Breaches within this may have disciplinary consequences.

What support will be available for the student nurses on the WBL Programme?

WBL Programme students receive the same mentoring as other pre-registration nursing students. Mentors and sign-off mentors must meet the Standards to Support Learning and Assessment in Practice (SLAiP standards 2008).Mentors for WBL Programme students will be invited to a briefing about their role before commencing mentorship duties. This briefing will include the following aspects.

An introduction to the WBL Programme

The student’s experience of ‘learning and working’

Managing the mentor/mentee relationship over 18 months

Managing conflicts of interest with students

Support systems for mentors.

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When will the WBL Programme run?

The programme will commence in spring 2017.The initial cohort has been commissioned from University Campus Suffolk. It is currently unclear if there will be additional providers from 2017 onwards.

How do I find out more information?

If you are interested in expressing an interest or finding out more information please contact your Education Lead if you work within an NHS partner organisation and for those working outside of these organisations and primary care please contact Laura Mallett (laura.mallett1@nhs.net or 07904970383) or see https://heeoe.hee.nhs.uk/wps/node/2468

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Flow chart showing the steps for recruitment and selection onto the Work-Based Learning Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing

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Interested Individuals• Attend Information Event and/or arrange a discussion with either: the

Education Lead for their employer; or a representative from Health Education England (HEE); or a representative from their local HEI offering the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in Pre-Registration Nursing.

• Read the Person Specification and complete/return an Expression of Interest Application form to either HEE or their employer’s Education Lead.

Step 1. Individuals:

Expression of Interest

Employers / Service Providers• Shortlist internal applicants against the Person Specification and NHS values.• Conduct internal interviews with applicants - panel likely to include executive

level representative (e.g. Director of Nursing), Education Lead and an HR representative (where possible); interview to include NHS values-based questions.

• Agree list of candidates to support through to application to the HEI.• Provide support for their application to the HEI, preparation for

numeracy/literacy test and preparation for HEI interview. • Support unsuccessful candidates with feedback and personal development.

Step 2. Employers: nomination

for HEI application

HEI/university• Shortlist candidates (including against the Person Specification and NHS

Values) and invite to selection day/interviews.• Run the selection day including numeracy and literacy testing and a face to

face interview or multiple mini interviews (as per the conventional nursing programme interview process for that HEI). Selection panel to include a clinical practice representative and service user/patient.

• Provide successful candidates with formal offer of a conditional place on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing.

• Provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates and employers.

Step 3. HEI/uni: selection for places on the

WBL Programme

Unsuccessful candidates• Receive feedback and have the opportunity to meet with a named individual

within their employer organisation to identify areas for development.

Unsuccessful candidates

Applicants with a conditional offer of a place on the WBL Programme – undertake Accreditation of Prior Learning (APEL)Prepare professional portfolio to illustrate all aspects of learning required by the HEI to enable entry to the degree in pre-registration at the mid-way point. Examples of required evidence include:

• Evidence of completion of Foundation degree• Signed Year one Practice assessment documentation• Reflective accounts mapped to the NMC competencies.

Step 4. Applicants with a conditional

offer:prepare APEL

portfolio

Successful APEL candidates – start the advanced WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursingMeet personal tutors.Commence the course.

Step 5. Successful APEL

candidates: start on the

WBL Programme

Step 1: Expression of Interest – applying for a place on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing

When will Expressions of Interest open for the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing?

The WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing will be advertised in a variety of ways – including the following

through normal communication channels within employing organisations such as general emails from HR, leaflets on noticeboards and in staff rooms, team meetings/Matron meetings, newsletters etc.

on the health care sections of the webpages for the HEIs involved in the programme e.g. UCS.

What is a ‘Person Specification’?

A Person Specification is a description of the idealised candidate to be selected for the places on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing (see Appendix 2). This description explains the personal attributes, experiences, competencies and character that would be ideal as a student nurse on the programme.

In reality not everyone that applies will have all of the points described, but the Person Specification is created to provide an indication of the type of person that the selection panels will be looking for.

Potential candidates are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the contents of the Person Specification before completing their Expression of Interest application form as it is important for the individual to highlight how they meet the criteria in the specification.

What are the entry criteria?

All applicants must hold a foundation degree in a relevant health-related subject. It is anticipated that candidate will have completed this foundation degree within the last 5 years.

The HEI will test numeracy and literacy at Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE) during the selection process.

What if my foundation degree does not link to healthcare?

If your foundation degree is not in a suitable healthcare-related subject you will not be selected for interview. This particular WBL Programme educational model requires that you already have a strong level of knowledge and experience in order to attain the required Accreditation of Prior Learning and join the conventional Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing at the mid-way point.

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Step 1: Expression of Interest – applying for a place on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing

If I have been working as a HCA/HCSW and have an NVQ Level 3 – can I still apply?

Individuals with an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent would not be selected for interview for this particular WBL Programme. This WBL model requires the individual to already have the depth of knowledge that is obtained via a health-related foundation degree as well as practical experience in order to attain the required Accreditation of Prior Learning and join the conventional Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing at the mid-way point.

Do candidates require specific numeracy and literacy qualifications?

All candidates will undertake the standard university testing for numeracy and literacy during the selection process in line will all other pre-registration nursing programmes.

Potential candidates can approach their employer for pre-testing to check their current level of numeracy and literacy and understand their options for additional support.

What is the application process for Step 1 (selection by employer)?

The candidate is asked to complete an Expression of Interest application form (see Appendix 3) and submit it to the Education Lead for their employing organisation.

It is recommended that before completing the Expression of Interest form the individual

checks that they meet the criteria established by their favoured HEI reads the Person Specification in Appendix 2 to ensure that they understand the

idealised profile of a suitable candidate reads the NHS Constitution and Values thinks of examples from their work and personal lives that can be used to

illustrate their personal qualities that make them suitable for nursing and for this advanced entry route into nursing.

If there is no named Lead then the Expression of Interest form can be submitted to Laura Mallet at the Norfolk and Suffolk Workforce Partnership via laura.mallett1@nhs.net

Please note that selection by an employing organisation does not guarantee an interview with the HEI. The HEI will further shortlist candidates upon application.

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Step 1: Expression of Interest – applying for a place on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing

What can a potential candidate do to increase their chances of selection for the interview stages?

Investigate the nursing role and the professional responsibilities of registration

The candidates are encouraged to

o spend time actively investigating the role of nurses and how the role varies in different settings and specialisms (e.g. how community nursing varies from working in a large hospital, or how nursing in a busy A&E department may compare to nursing frail elderly patients in a nursing home)

o spend time understanding the similarities and difference in scope and accountability between health care support workers, assistant practitioners and registered nurses.

o investigate the purpose of professional registration and the responsibilities it brings to the registrant

o reflect on the type of nurse they hope to be in the future so that they can talk about this at interview.

NHS Constitution and NHS Values

Throughout the selection process – with the employer as well as with the HEI – the candidates will be asked about the NHS Constitution and the NHS Values and how they will be able to demonstrate these in the role. These are essential to working as a healthcare professional. Candidates are advised to research the values and provide examples in their Expression of Interest Form and interviews to show how they behave in a values-led way e.g. how they demonstrate ‘respect and dignity’ in their day to day lives.

Personal attributes – the candidates are encouraged to spend time reflecting on what they would bring to the role of a nurse/student nurse from their own behaviours, values and perspective. They could ask friends, family and work colleagues what they consider to be their attributes that would make them suitable for nursing. The candidates should highlight and share examples of their personal attributes in their Expression of Interest Form and during interview.

Preparation for becoming a student (again!)

The candidates should be clear about their motivation for studying and why they are aiming for a career in nursing. They are encouraged to

o discuss with friends, family and work colleagues the implications of working and studying with limited holidays

o reflect on their ability to work demanding shift patterns that could impact on their social life and relationships

o think about their organisational skills and how they might balance their time and finances.

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Step 2: Selection by Employer (nominating an applicant for the HEI selection process)

What can I expect from an interview with my employer for a place on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing?

Employers that are nominating individuals to apply for places on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing will be keen to select applicants that are highly motivated to become a nurse, that demonstrate an awareness of the role of a nurse and that demonstrate the NHS Values in their behaviours.

Each employer will design their own internal selection process that is likely to include:

numeracy and literacy testing to Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) a panel interview with an executive level representative (e.g. Director of Nursing), the

Education Lead and an HR representative (where possible).

How will I know that I have been successful at Step 2?

All individuals will be contacted by their employing organisations shortly after the internal interviews to let them know whether they will be supported by their employer for the next round i.e. to apply for a place on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing.

Successful individuals will be provided with feedback from the internal interview process. The individuals will be supported to submit an application to the HEI for a place on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing. They will also be given the opportunity to undertake additional study in numeracy and literacy in advance of undertaking an interview at the HEI.

NOTE: Selection by the employer as a nominated applicant does not guarantee an interview with the HEI – these are two distinct and separate processes.

What will happen if I am not selected at Step 2?

Applicants that are not selected at Step 2 will be provided with feedback about how they have performed in the selection process. They will be able to access support to review their career aspirations and to make personal development plans to support their future career choices.

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Step 3: Selection by the HEI for a place on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing.

What can I expect from an interview with the HEI for a place on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing?

HEIs will be keen to select applicants that are highly motivated to become a nurse, that demonstrate an awareness of the role of a nurse and that demonstrate the NHS Values in their behaviours. They will also be looking for individuals that have the resilience to cope with the demands of studying and the academic capabilities and determination to study at educational level 6 (Honour’s degree level).

Each HEI has their own selection process that must be equivalent to the selection process used to recruit individuals onto the conventional nursing degree programme – this is a requirement specified by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

The selection process is likely to include

numeracy and literacy testing to Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) a panel interview with a representative from current clinical practice and a service

user or patient – some HEIs use ‘multiple mini interviews (MMIs)’ where a series of short interviews are run concurrently with each interview focusing on a specific aspect e.g. one MMI might focus on the NHS Value of ‘respect and dignity’ whereas another one might focus on an individual’s ability to balance work/study/home/relationships.

How will I know that I have been successful at Step 3?

All individuals will be contacted by the HEI shortly after the selection interviews to let them know whether they have been offered a conditional place on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing. The place will be conditional on the successful acceptance of the evidence for Accreditation of Prior Learning i.e. it will only become a full or unconditional offer when the prior learning has been reviewed and it has been agreed that it is sufficient to enable the individual to start the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing at the mid-way point.

What will happen if I am not selected at Step 3?

Applicants that are not selected at Step 3 will be provided with feedback about how they have performed in the selection process.

They will be able to access support through their employer to review their career aspirations and to make personal development plans to support their future career choices e.g. to enable them to apply for a later cohort

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Step 3: Selection by the HEI for a place on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing.

What will happen if I decide to withdraw my application after being offered a place?

It is acknowledged that circumstances change and that individuals may decide not to accept the conditional offer of a place on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing. At this point in the process the applicant would not have accepted any amendments to their terms of conditions of employment and would be able to continue in their existing employment. The individual will be able to access support through their employer to review their career aspirations and to make personal development plans to support their future career choices.

The decision to withdraw from a conditional offer of a place would be final for that particular cohort. However, it is understood that the decision to withdraw could be due to reasons outside of the control of the individual (e.g. changes to personal circumstances, illness etc.) and the individual may be encouraged by their employer and the HEI to re-apply for a future cohort.

Step 4: Applicants with a conditional offer of a place (on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing) undertake Accreditation of Prior Learning (APEL)

Does the conditional offer of a place give automatic entry to the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing?

The offer is conditional on the HEI being in a position to accept that the prior educational, and ‘in practice’ experience, that the individual submits as evidence will be suitable to enable entry to the mid-way point of the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing.

It is possible that the evidence could prove to be insufficient to allow the individual onto the Honour’s degree at the mid-way point. However the employers will work closely with the individuals to support the development of their APEL portfolio and will only submit those portfolios that they have confidence in. If the APEL portfolio is found to be lacking in some way it may be possible to complete additional learning prior to the start of the course to boost the contents and allow the individual to take up the place. These options will be looked at in detail through discussions between the HEI and the employer before being put forward to the individual.

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Step 4: Applicants with a conditional offer of a place (on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing) undertake Accreditation of Prior Learning (APEL)

What will need to be delivered within an individual’s APEL portfolio?

Each individual will be required to provide evidence; this will be discussed with the student’s enhanced personal tutor. Support will be given to gather this evidence.

As part of this the students will have to be signed off on key NMC competencies using the year one Practice Assessment Document. Advice and support will be given to the student from both UCS and the organisation.

Will I be able to stay in the same team that I currently work in when I’m on the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing?

This decision will be made jointly between the organisation and UCS. The practice area needs to have sufficient capacity to support and mentor a student as well as having a range of learning opportunities to allow the competencies to be met.

What will my earnings be during the WBL Programme?

You will continue to be paid your current banding for 22.5 hours per week, and you will receive unsocial hours payments whilst working in your substantive role. For 15 hours per week you will be paid a minimum of AfC band 3 point 9, you will receive no unsocial hours payments for the shifts you work as a student. This will vary between organisations and your Education Lead will be able to advise you further.

How many hours of study will I be expected to do each week?

It is anticipated that this should require approximately 5-15 hours’ additional input per week for the duration of the WBL Programme. This requirement could vary from individual to individual and could fluctuate week by week. There may be opportunities to complete some of this material during working hours.

Whilst on the WBL Programme will I be required to work for a different NHS Service Provider?

No, for the duration of the WBL Programme the individual will be working for their existing NHS Service Provider/employer.

However, the individual will be required to work in different healthcare environments which may necessitate working with a different NHS Service Provider for a period of weeks (e.g. if an employer is not able to provide a community setting for their placement) but they would remain under a contract of employment with their existing organisation for the entire duration of the programme.

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Step 5: successful applicants start the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing

What will happen between being offered an unconditional place and the start of the WBL Programme?

Employment : individuals will continue to work for their employer. DBS : individuals will have their Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) checks reviewed by

their employer to ensure that they are compliant with the NMC requirements for them to be updated at least every 3 years – note: the amendment to the employment contract may trigger a new check

OH : individuals will have their Occupational Health status reviewed by their employer as it is a requirement before commencing clinical practice hours – the level of input will vary from student to student.

Will I be able to take annual leave whilst on the WBL Programme?

It is important to note that the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing runs as a 52 week year and does not have the extended student holidays associated with other types of degree programmes. Annual leave will be built into the programme. The dates will be specified by the HEI to fit in with the curriculum requirements.

What are placements and when do I undertake them?

All student nurses are required by the NMC Standards to undertake ‘placements’ – these are clinical work experiences in a range of health and care settings to ensure that the student nurses experience a range of different environments and types of practice. Some of these settings may exist within other parts of a sponsoring NHS Service Provider’s organisation – however for some placements the individuals will be required to temporarily experience working at a different NHS Service Provider’s premises.

The Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing has a 50:50 balance between theory and practice. The placements are for practice opportunities and will be undertaken throughout the duration of the course.

Students on the adult nursing pathway are required to undertake placements within Medicine, Surgery, Community and Acute care settings.

The NMC state that “Programme providers must ensure that practice learning throughout the programme provides students with experience of 24-hour and 7-day care”. Therefore it is an expectation that all student nurses will work weekends and nights at times on placement during pre-registration nursing programmes.

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Step 5: successful applicants start the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing

What supervision and mentoring would I receive as a student nurse?

Student nurses receive the same mentoring as other pre-registration students. This means that they are supervised by mentors and sign-off mentors that meet the Standards to Support Learning and Assessment in Practice (SLAiP 2008).

Mentors for WBL Programme students are invited for a briefing before commencing mentorship duties. The briefing includes an explanation of the advanced entry pathway, the learning/working balance and support systems for mentors throughout the programme.

How do I find out more information?

If you wish to express an interest in the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing or want to find out more information please

contact your organisation’s Education Lead if you work within an NHS service provider organisation e.g a community or acute trust.

contact Laura Mallett (laura.mallett1@nhs.net or 07904970383) if you work in other organisations e.g. in primary care, for a community interest company or for a care provider.

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Appendix 2: Person Specification

This Person Specification is an idealised profile for candidates looking to gain advanced entry into the WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing. It will be used by employers and HEIs to help with their selection process.

Interested individuals are recommended to read the Person Specification and be prepared to give examples of how they match with the contents in their Expressions of Interest form and Interviews.

Means of Assessment

Essential (E) / Desirable (D)

Application Form (A) / Interview (I) /Test

(T)

Qualifications and Training

1. Holds an foundation degree in health studies (FdSc/FdA) or a Higher Apprenticeship which includes a foundation degree in health studies

E A/I

Knowledge and Experience

2. Has two years’ experience of working within a health/care environment in a clinical role

E A/I

3. Has completed at least one year’s practice post-completion of the foundation degree

D A

4. Understands and adheres to the NHS Constitution and Values in the workplace and through their interactions with the public

E A/I

5. Understands and adheres to professional behaviours in the workplace e.g. timekeeping

E I

Skills

6. Has the ability to complete studies at Honour’s degree educational level (Levels 4/5/6/) including self-directed learning

E A/I

7. Demonstrates excellent communication skills E I

8. Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills E I

9. Demonstrates the ability to cope with high stress environments and/or situations.

E A/I

10. Shows commitment to the delivery of high standards of patient/service user care

E A/I

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Means of Assessment

Essential (E) / Desirable (D)

Application Form (A) / Interview (I) /Test

(T)

11. Shows initiative in their personal and professional lives E I

12. Shows the ability to be flexible and adaptable in times of change. D I

13. Recognises the limitations/boundaries of own work role. E I

14. Organises and prioritises own workload. E I

15. Works well in a team and independently. E I

16. Uses basic IT - including e-mail and MS Word. E A/I

Personal Qualities

17. Demonstrates commitment to completing studies at Honour’s degree educational level (Levels 4/5/6) including self-directed learning

E A/I

18. Demonstrates a calm and caring nature. E I

19. Shows high levels of motivation to become a registered nurse. E A/I

20. Shows a positive attitude to learning. E A/I

21. Acts as a positive role model in the work place. D I

Training and Professional Development

22. Shows a willingness to further develop personal and professional knowledge and skills.

E I

23. Demonstrates personal and professional commitment to the continual updating of academic and/or vocational portfolio(s).

E I

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Appendix 2:

Expression of Interest / Application Form for entry intothe WBL Programme for the Honour’s degree in pre-registration nursing

The Applicant

Surname Forename(s)

Correspondence Address

Work email

Home email

Work landline

Mobile phone

Employment

Employer

Employer’s address

Job Role Band/grade

Department Contracted hours per week

Date appointed to permanent post by employer(if applicable)

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Education

Title of foundation degree

Year foundation degree achieved(include a scanned copy of your certificate)

Grading achieved

Higher Education Institute, University or College attended:

Statement of compliance

I (Applicant) confirm that I understand and can comply with the following …

I currently work full time or agree to work full time for the duration of the Programme YES / NO

I have read the information pack YES / NO

I have a health related foundation degree YES / NO

I will attend placements in other departments within my employing organisation in order to gain the necessary experience for registration

YES / NO

I will be required to travel to other organisations to gain additional experience, and I understand I will be unable to claim travel expenses from my organisation

YES / NO

I will be required to attend the approved Higher Education Institute/university of choice YES / NO

I may be subject to an enhanced DBS check and Occupational Health screening subject to being offered a place

YES / NO

I understand that I will be unable to work any additional hours above those detailed above for the duration of the programme

YES / NO

I understand that I will have to undertake 14 hours self-directed study per week within my own time

YES / NO

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Supporting Statement – written by Applicant

Please describe in the section below

your reasons for applying for this Programme and how you feel that the role of a Registered Nurse differs from that of an Assistant Practitioner /

Health Care Assistant.

There is no word limit to your Supporting Statement. It can be typed or hand written.

Applicant’s signature Date:

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Secondary Supporting Statement –written by Line Manager or a Registered Nurse that you have worked with

Please describe in the section below

why you think this Applicant would be an excellent Registered Nurse and an asset to your organisation.

There is no word limit to your Supporting Statement. It can be typed or hand written.

Line Manager’s signature Date:

Please return the completed Expression of Interest/Application Form to your Education Manager

by 31st June 2016

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