PgDip Community Nurse Speciali - University of B

This postgraduate diploma program from the University of Bolton prepares students to become Community Nurse Specialist Practitioners in general practice nursing, meeting NMC standards for specialist practice. Through blended learning combining theory and practice, the program develops students' decision-making skills, promotes leadership, and equips them with the knowledge and abilities for quality healthcare delivery. Graduates can pursue career paths in clinical, educational, and public health interventions, including roles in professional posts, advancing practice, and management.

Program Outline

PgDip Community Nurse Specialist Practitioner (General Practice Nursing) - University of Bolton

Degree Overview:

This postgraduate diploma program aims to prepare students to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards for specialist practice in general practice nursing. The program focuses on developing skills for making high-level clinical decisions in the practice setting and influencing the provision of quality care through personal development, increased self-awareness, and compassionate leadership.

Objectives:

Equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to develop and influence community healthcare practice.
Develop students' ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from various specialist backgrounds.
Encourage students to apply their knowledge in practice through clinical, educational, and public health interventions demonstrating relevant skills and sensitivity.

Assessment:

Various forms of assessment are used, including essays, reports, portfolios, critical reflection, presentations, and exams, including objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE).
Assessment strategies vary depending on the module's intended learning outcomes.

Teaching:

The program uses blended learning approaches combining direct and online techniques.
The program is split into theory (40%) and practice learning (60%).
Lectures introduce relevant theory, and understanding is developed through seminar discussions, presentations, simulations, group workshops, and tutorials.
In the practice setting, an appropriately qualified and experienced practitioner (Practice Assessor and Practice Supervisor) develops a program of learning and experience for each student.
Students use the virtual learning environment, Moodle, to access learning resources like podcasts and video presentations.
Self-directed study is encouraged, such as preparing for seminars and reading around the subject.

Careers:

Upon successful completion of the PgDip and registration as a General Practice Nurse with the NMC, graduates can employ a range of clinical, educational, and public health interventions in a skilled and sensitive manner.
Graduates can undertake care and program management, provide leadership in various settings, and identify factors that promote or inhibit effective collaborative working.
Potential career paths include:
Professional posts in community healthcare settings
Advancing practice
Supporting the management of general practice care
Leading a team
Specializing in a chosen field as an advancing practitioner
Management
Clinical academic research
Graduates can top up their qualification by undertaking a dissertation year and completing an MSc in specialist practice.

Other:

The course has been developed to respond to policy developments and the demands of the changing healthcare climate.
Teaching staff have many years of experience in the NHS and a variety of settings.
Students have access to a 24/7 virtual learning environment, WiFi across campus, and both group and one-to-one support.
Students have the opportunity to study in the innovative health teaching and research facility, Bolton One.
The course involves regulated activity, so students must gain an Enhanced Disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting their studies.
The university uses all reasonable endeavors to deliver the course as described in its published material and the program specification for the academic year in which students begin their course.
The university considers changes to courses very carefully and will minimize any changes.
Courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis, and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory, and academic reasons.
The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated annually to ensure they are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs.