Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship Blended Learning Child BSc Hons

This blended learning apprenticeship course has been designed to provide a flexible way to study whilst being employed in child healthcare services. During this apprenticeship you’ll get the opportunity to develop the vital skills, values and confidence you need to care for children, young people and their families whatever their circumstances, including those with acute illness, long-term conditions or those who need help to maintain their health.

• You’ll have the opportunity to study to become a nurse in a flexible way, that fits around work and life.
• You’ll develop and practice your clinical skills in a safe environment in our fully-equipped simulated children’s ward using our patient simulators.
• Clinical placements provide opportunities for you to put what you’ve learnt into practice in a variety of acute settings including children's wards, accident and emergency departments and neonatal intensive care.
• Opportunities are available to work with specialist nurses in a range of community settings including GP surgeries, health centers, children's hospices, as well as mainstream and specialist schools.
• You’ll have the opportunity to hear the experiences and viewpoints from service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group.

The course is mainly delivered through digital technologies and also involves practical, hands-on experience. Although the theoretical component is predominantly delivered online, you’ll attend the campus in Huddersfield (or similar venue close to your home) for a maximum total of four one-week blocks for simulation and skills training. You’ll do this in each year of the course, providing the opportunity for you to practice skills in a safe and controlled environment. You’ll also undertake practice placements across the NHS and healthcare organizations in a setting close to home.

In line with the apprenticeship model, the course is designed to support a training in practice approach. Whilst undertaking the course you’ll remain employed by your host organisation and may spend 20% of your time in your current workplace. The remaining 80% will be spent at the University undertaking theory work and clinical placements. The course is designed to be progressively demanding and once qualified you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work as a Registered Nurse for Children.

You must:

• Be employed in healthcare and supported to undertake the apprenticeship course by your employer.
• Have BBB at A Level. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A Level study and is a requirement for entry to our degree course, DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma/Level 3 Extended Diploma at grade B, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits 15 at Distinction, 30 at Merit.
• Have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and the ability to access and use online study guidance and support as this course is delivered through distance learning.
• Have completed 12 years of general education and have GCSE English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme, or Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English.
• Meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018c) entry requirements in respect of literacy and numeracy, good character and good health.
• If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent will be considered acceptable

Possible career opportunities include working in local and national hospitals, the community and children’s hospices. Child nurses also work in neonatal and paediatric intensive care areas, children’s community nursing teams and in regional children’s specialist centres.

After qualification there is also an extensive range of further professional development opportunities available, which may lead to possible careers as a health visitor or school nurse, as well as nurse specialist roles.

Nothing can really replicate working in the real-world, which is why practice placements are essential and a compulsory part of the course. The Nursing and Midwifery Council require you to complete the minimum of 2300 hours across the course in order to obtain registration.

You'll have the opportunity to complete your practice learning experiences in a range of healthcare environments including NHS Trusts, charities, hospices, schools and community settings. You'll be supported throughout your practical experiences by a qualified professional who will provide you with any required help and advice. In order to provide you with the broadest professional experience possible, practice experiences are generally offered across West Yorkshire and occasionally beyond, covering 24 hour care including evening, weekend and nights.

Whilst on placement you'll be supported by trained supervisors and assessors, as well as by members of the academic team who will meet with you and your practice support team every 12 weeks.

Please note that you'll be required to travel to and during your placements.