Professional Skills Development

School of Nursing and Midwifery

What is it? As a student at Queen’s, you will need to engage in a

structured process that supports you in achieving your academic, career/professional goals.

The Schools of Nursing and Midwifery offers you a range of supports. These include,

Development of Professional Skills (embedded in your course). A Personal Tutor. Clinical placements. Student Handbooks, and of other guidance (in hard copy and online). Careers Service events/supports Mentored support

Why is it important?

At university, you are expected to operate as an autonomous learner. This will require you to develop independent learning skills.

Setting, planning and achieving clear personal targets is a feature of autonomous learners and effective professionals.

As part of your course, you will be required to develop professional skills. Engaging in Professional Skills Development will help you in developing an appropriate strategy for you – it is important that you make the most of the opportunities provided.

Employers will expect you to be able to demonstrate and evidence professional as well as academic skills.

Examples of Professional Skills in Nursing and Midwifery

Communication Skills examples Active listening skills & Self awareness Verbal and non-verbal skills Writing skills

Professional Conduct examples Presentation skills Team work

Study Skills examples Developing appropriate learning strategies Research strategies Thinking skills

Essential Caring Skills examples Manner Demeanour Knowledge base

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What do I need to do?

Recognise that you are now working in a university context where lecturer time is limited and classes are large – all written and verbal feedback on individual or group basis needs to be valued, noted and considered in terms of how it applies to you.

Make use of your Personal Tutor to help you to reflect on your overall progress and development.

What do I need to do?

If you have a specific issue that you wish to discuss with a member of staff, ensure that you make professional preparations for the meeting. E.g. you will be asked to follow an agenda during a meeting with your Personal Tutor towards the end of semester 1 and to reflect on 4 important goals which the School has identified. You will also have an opportunity to discuss any other issues which are relevant to you.

Regularly review your progress in line with the 4 long term goals which have been identified by the School.

Agenda for review of School goals ( review with your Personal Tutor).

Agenda Your development as an autonomous learner. Your progress in improving your study skills. Your progress in developing professional

skills and attributes. Your performance improvement strategy for

assessment (e.g. written work and online examinations)

A.O.B.

Goals set for Level 1 students in School of Nursing and Midwifery

The “My School” page

Actions by you

1. Access your e-folio 2. Produce an Action Plan to address each of the 3

School Goals which have been set for you. Note- Use the “My School” supports to help you.

3. Carry out, share and discuss Action Plans with your Personal Tutor

4. Review your progress.

Note: Use e-mail as your main communication tool with staff – not the messaging system within the e-folio.

Questions and Discussion