Róisín's story looks at the Nursing Associate programme at the University of Salford, a two-year foundation degree for people who want a career in healthcare but are not yet sure which area of nursing is right for them.
Róisín, Nursing Associate at University of Salford
Story Video
Background
Goal
The programme is made up of six modules, three each year, and is split 50/50 between university and placement. Each module includes a block placement of four to eight weeks in a variety of settings. It is a generic programme, so every learner gains experience in all four fields of nursing practice: adult, children and young people, mental health, and learning disability.
In the first year, modules develop professionalism and interpersonal skills, alongside human anatomy, person-centred care, safeguarding, public health and health promotion. The second year moves on to long-term conditions, medication management, coaching, service improvement and nursing interventions. Placements take place across Greater Manchester in NHS and independent sector settings, and students follow the same shift patterns as their practice supervisor.
Journey
University time is not just theory. Students put what they learn into practice in the simulation suite, working with mannequins and role play, which gives a realistic, hands-on approach to nursing and caring without the risk of a real scenario. Each student also has a clinical educator from the programme team, offering academic and pastoral support one to one or in groups, alongside the university's wider wellbeing services.
Outcome
On successful completion, students gain a foundation degree and can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a registered nursing associate. Having worked across all four fields of nursing, they can then decide which area they want to work in.
Assessment takes place both on placement and at the university, through practice assessments, essays, clinical exams (OSCEs), presentations and vivas. Registered nursing associates can work in community, acute, social and primary care settings across the NHS, public, private and voluntary sectors.
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