FDSc Nursing Associate

Why study this subject?

As an accredited HTQ course, this runs for two years with an industry-certified focus on employability and hands-on training.

This programme has been carefully designed by our industry expert academics, based on standards set by professional bodies, to provide you with the skills and abilities needed to thrive.

There is high demand across the nursing sector, nationally and internationally, for qualified Nursing Associates. A FDSc Nursing Associate course provides a great foundation to move into health care and will help you learn how to deliver care for a range of people in diverse settings.

On graduating from this programme, Nursing Associates will be able to work independently, within defined parameters of practice and under the direction of a Registered Nurse, to deliver a defined plan of care.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

At Buckinghamshire New University, from your very first welcome, you’ll find yourself surrounded by friendly, like-minded students and staff – all passionate about nursing and healthcare.

We've been running our range of nursing programmes for many years and were one of the first universities to launch the FDSc Nursing Associate degree. Students at BNU benefit from an excellent standard of teaching provided by staff who maintain close links with practice, ensuring that the programme is always kept up-to-date. Our lecturers cover various specialities including, adult, children’s, mental health and learning disability nursing.

At BNU, we recognise roles in this field are hands-on – that’s why you’ll take part in simulated learning experiences throughout the course using our specialised facilities. This will enable you to recreate authentic scenarios and practise your skills in a safe environment.

Alongside your studies, you will take part in a range of clinical placements with our NHS partner hospitals. We work with a range of hospitals across the region and our students are highly respected whilst out in practice – many of our students go on to be employed by the Trust that they worked with during their time at the University.

As a BNU student, you will automatically become a member of Bucks Students’ Union giving you access to a wide range of services that we offer for free as part of our exclusive Big Deal package. We are the only university in the UK to offer our members free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities, allowing them to experience new things, socialise with broader groups of people and boost their employability – all to enrich your university experience.

What facilities can I use?

We utilise state-of-the-art simulation facilities for learning, development and practicing of skills – our purpose-built wards include real equipment, just like you’d find in hospital.

Simulation is an important aspect of our nursing and healthcare programmes. You will regularly spend time in the simulation labs, taking part in realistic scenarios to practise a broad spectrum of technical skills in a safe and supportive environment

We also offer a free campus-link bus service, so as well as utilising the facilities at Uxbridge, you will also be able to use everything our High Wycombe Campus has to offer too.

What will I study?

The curriculum for this course has been designed to embrace the philosophy of the Nursing Associate to transform lives and create a community of practice with students at the heart of the learning and teaching.

Each session is closely linked to the development of knowledge as outlined within the England Nursing Associate Practice Assessment Document. As well as this, our students are able to experience and develop core skills through clinical placement opportunities.

How will I be taught and assessed?

Within the Nursing Associate programme, we use a variety of teaching and assessment methods to help you succeed. You’ll benefit from simulation sessions, lectures, seminars and group activities to ensure readiness for professional registration and clinical practice.

Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to fulfil their potential by taking responsibility for their learning, including being prepared for sessions, undertaking independent reading, and negotiating learning opportunities within the practice setting.

You are expected to undertake 575 hours of placement learning each year of the programme, which will be organised by the Placement Learning team. Whilst in practice, Nursing Associate students are considered supernumerary to the workforce but integral to giving patient care.

You will be assessed through a number of means including:

• clinical practice assessments
• medical calculations
• written assignments
• presentations
• exams.

You are also required to complete the knowledge skills and behaviours included in the England Nursing Associate Practice Assessment Document in each year of practice.