Overseas Nurses' Programme

UCAS Code: CID694
Classification: Continuing Professional Development
Course Mode: Full time
Course Duration: 3-6 Months
Course Location: Sciences Complex, City Campus
Subject Area: Health Studies
From To UK Fee * International Fee
01 Sep 2012 31 Aug 2013   £1,250

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

To apply for this programme please click on to the Applicants Guide, or go to the How to Apply button at the top of this page.

Since September 2005 all overseas nurses' programmes are being approved by the NMC and be delivered in partnership with Higher Education Institutions (HEI) and health care providers. The University of Sunderland was approved to offer the Overseas Nurses' Programme on 1st September 2005.

The Overseas Nurses Programme have several intakes throughout the year for the programme. Essentially, this course is designed to equip overseas registered nurses with the necessary academic and clinical skills to gain Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) registration.

The programme content is underpinned by the guiding principles of the NMC; to establish the philosophy and value of the NMC's requirements for programmes leading to entry onto the register as a registered nurse.

The guiding principles relate to professional standing, public protection and fitness for purpose, practice and award.

Specifically the programme will include: responsibility for professional standing, adherence to the NMC Code of Conduct: Standards for performance, conduct and ethics, responsibility and accountability, ethical and legal obligations, respect for individuals and communities, the concept of patient centeredness, management of care, public health, the concept of life-long learning, clinical governance and evidence-based practice.

Additionally the programme will include: basic life support, health and safety, moving and handling, managing complaints, pharmacy and drug calculations and administration of medicines.

All nurses wishing to work in the UK, including those who have trained and qualified overseas, must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

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Course Content

Level 3

A portofiolo of learning incorporating a reflective essay of 2,000 words, in addition to successful completion of the competency framework (40 credits).

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Entry Requirements

Be in receipt of a valid Nursing Midwifery Council decision letter,

A valid nursing licence to practice, A IELTS certificate (minimum overall score of 7.0 and at least 7.0 in the listening, reading, writing and speaking sections).

Be medically fit and in receipt of a medical certificate stating vaccination status.

Dependent on visa requirements seek appropriate advice.

Provide a letter confirming sponsorship for a period of supervised practice or in the event of requiring a Tier 2 Visa be able to provide a letter confirming sponsorship from an Agency/Partner working with the University or from a direct placement organisation who hold a Tier 2 Licence.

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

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Teaching and Assessment

The programme will comprise of a wide range of teaching and learning methods. Formal lectures, seminars, workshops, group-work, supported distance learning, work-based learning, mentoring and individual advisory support will be the main methods used.

These will be supplemented by student-centred and self-directed study and the use of electronic/multi-media learning will be encouraged.

Students are likely to have a wide range of previous knowledge and experience within their specialist health care fields and therefore differing learning needs in terms of both breadth and depth and, indeed, of focus.

Negotiated learning is a key feature of the programme. Students will be required to meet with the Programme Leader to discuss/agree their particular individual learning requirements. A plan of action will be agreed in terms of a learning contract which will indicate how these needs will be met as well as the establishment of how recognition of achieved learning will take place. This plan will be integrated into the students' portfolio of learning.

Formal lectures will be relevant for some subject areas. The focus for these will be predominantly on clinical practices, procedures, decision-making and ethical issues. Where relevant, clinical experts will provide specialist teaching, this will ensure immediacy and relevance.

Seminars will provide an opportunity for students to discuss their learning development, prepare and present an argument or facilitate reflective learning for themselves and others.

Workshops will be held predominantly on portfolio building; bringing together students with like needs to enable them to share and discuss strategies and portfolio development.

For those students who are required to undertake supervised practice, achievement of clinical competencies is an essential aspect of the programme. Students' Sign-off Mentors will provide suitable support throughout students' time on the programme. This will not only encompass the development of theory-based knowledge but also opportunities to undertake new and/or challenging tasks, which can be reflected upon and learned from.

Individual students may need to negotiate opportunities to shadow colleagues and will be encouraged to participate in inter and intra professional meetings, networks and debates. Electronic/multi-media learning will be encouraged, through the use of the Internet and CD ROMs.

Students will be encouraged to display autonomy and take responsibility for, their own learning and development, and how their needs will best be met. Self-directed study will play an important role in this especially as students will come from a variety of nursing backgrounds and fields of study. Learning contracts will be an integral part of this process.

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and where appropriate - deemed necessary by the NMC, clinical work-based learning.

There is a balance of activities across the programme, with a strong emphasis upon public protection. The aims and objectives of the programme are compatible with the programme philosophy. A continuous improvement of students' information technology skills is also encouraged, by formative feedback and summative assessment of the programme. The academic and clinical mentors will work collaboratively throughout the programme to reinforce the emphasis on the applied nature of the programme.

During clinical placement, the Programme Leader, or other designated members of academic staff will contact the students and Mentors by telephone or email. Visits to the clinical area will be made as necessary

A portfolio of learning which demonstrates achievement of the programme Learning outcomes which must include:

  • A learning contract
  • A clinical competency log demonstrating achievement of clinical competencies (if appropriate)
  • A CV
  • A personal development plan
  • A position statement
  • Action Planning


(50%)

  • A 2000 word reflective essay which demonstrates achievement of the programme learning outcomes


(50%)

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Work Experience

Clinical placements are provided with university approved health care providers such as Public sector: NHS Hospitals; Private independent and voluntary sector: Nursing Homes

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Career Opportunities

NMC registration provides ability to work as a Registered Nurse in the UK.

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Supplemental Information

**Additional Entry Requirements:
Dependent on visa requirements seek appropriate advice.

Once a placement has been found (BY YOU), you will need to provide a letter from the placement organisation confirming your sponsorship for the period of your supervised practice and in the event of you requiring a Tier 2 Visa. Your placement organisation will need to hold a Tier 2 Licence.

Contact Time:
20 protected learning days, and, as deemed necessary by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), a placement of 3 months, 6 months or 9 months of supervised clinical practice.

Accommodation
If you're not at home during your postgraduate studies then choosing the right place to live is an important consideration and that is why at the University of Sunderland we place great importance on helping students find accommodation which suits their needs and their lifestyle at very competitive prices. For more information on Accommodation please click here

If you already have a nursing qualification from outside of the UK and you wish to work as a nurse in the UK.

Successful completion of the programme will result in registration with the NMC and the ability to work in the UK as a registered nurse.

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Facilities

The core component of the programme (20 days protected learning) is delivered at the university with access to university facilities e.g. learning support, media support, study skills, and English for academic purposes.

If you already have a nursing qualification from outside of the UK and you wish to work as a nurse in the UK contact:

onp@sunderland.ac.uk

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Faculty Contact Details:

Faculty of Applied Sciences

Recruitment and Marketing

 

Course Contact Details

Applicants can apply directly to the University of Sunderland by emailing:

onp@sunderland.ac.uk