Nursing Students Guide

Introduction...TThis guide aims to provide useful information to help students studying on the following pre-registration nursing courses:

• Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) Nursing RN• BSc (Hons) Nursing RN • Graduate Diploma in Nursing RN

It is not intended to be exhaustive nor is it intended to replace any of the information you receive from the Faculty of Health. Some of the information is relevant to other courses of study but please check with the Advice Centre if you are in any doubt.

Contents

Welcome to Edgbaston Campus 02

Who’s Who 04

Financial Support 05

Study Skills 10

Academic Problems 11

Accommodation 14

Placements 15

Frequently Asked Questions 18

Useful ContactsStudents’ Union Advice Centre

0121 331 6801union.advice-centre@bcu.ac.uk

www.birminghamcitysu.com

School of Nursing Studies Office

0121 331 6047www.hcc.bcu.ac.uk/students

Department of Practice Learning

Adult Branch 0121 331 7169 Child Branch 0121 331 7016

MH and LD 0121 331 6065www.hcc.bcu.ac.uk/cpsu

Occupational Health

0121 331 7178

Personal Development Centre

0121 331 7011

Student Services

Careers Advice, Financial Advisors,

Job Shop, International Student Advisors,

Counselling and Child Care.0121 331 5588

www.bcu.ac.uk/studentservices

NHS Students Grants Unit

For information on bursaries0845 358 6655

www.nhsstudentgrants.co.uk

Tax Credits Information

0845 300 3900www.hmrc.gov.uk

Department for

Education and Skills

Information on student funding and loans.

www.direct.gov.uk

Welcome to Edgbaston Campus…

The Students’ Union

All students at Birmingham City University are automatically members of the Students’ Union, an organisation that exists to help you get the most out of your University experience.

The Union’s role is to:• Represent the views and interests of students• Offer activities and opportunities for involvement • Provide support and advice for our members

The Students’ Union at Edgbaston Campus is based at the rear of the Seacole Building close to the student car park and the campus library. General info about the Union and details of events and services can be found on our website www.birminghamcitysu.com.

Union Reception

The Reception opens Monday-Friday 10am-2pm and is the base of all Birmingham City Students’ Union activities on the campus. Staff can provide info on clubs, societies, sports, training and volunteering. The office also has a fax machine and photocopier for student use.

Advice and Representation

The Advice Centre can assist with a range of issues that affect students, such as finance, housing and academic problems. An adviser is available at Edgbaston campus on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 2pm. A range of information is also available, including bus maps, local travel information and guidance on University procedures. You can contact us on 0121 331 6801 or visit the Union Reception to book an appointment.

Both the Degree (BSc), Diploma (DipHE) and Graduate Diploma nursing courses are based at: Edgbaston Campus, Westbourne Road,Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TN

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Union Shop

The Union Shop sells a range of food, drinks, stationary, confectionary, cigarettes, University merchandise and nursing supplies. The shop is open Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm. If you’re short of cash the shop also has an ATM machine. Please be aware that this does charge you to withdraw money.

NUS Extra Card

As a member of Birmingham City Students’ Union you’re also a member of the National Union of Students (NUS), an organisation that represents the interests of students nationally. As an NUS member you can access an NUS Extra card, which entitles you to a range of discounts at companies such as Topshop and Amazon. The card costs £10 and is available from the Union Reception.

Student Services

Student Services is based on the second floor of the Seacole Building and provides a range of guidance and support services for students. This includes Careers Advice, a Job Shop, Financial Advice, Disability Services, Counselling and Mental Health Support. For details of their services at Edgbaston Campus contact them on 0121 331 5588 or see the Student Services website at: www.bcu.ac.uk/studentservices.

Student Services also runs a nursery for the children of staff and students at Edgbaston Campus. For more details contact the Nursery manager on 0121 331 6033.

Library

The Mary Seacole Library is based on the ground floor of the Seacole Building at Edgbaston Campus. It offers lending services, reference materials, study areas and computer access. For further information and opening times see the Library website at http://library.bcu.ac.uk.

Lounge…

The Union bar is a relaxing place to hang out in-between lectures. They serve a large range of drinks including juices, smoothies, coffee and alcohol. Lounge… is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8am-6pm and Wednesday and Friday 8am- 11pm.

Cafeteria

There is a cafeteria at Edgbaston Campus, which serves hot and cold food and drinks.

Parking

There is limited student parking at Edgbaston campus but the site is easily accessible by bus from the city centre. Please be aware that there are parking restrictions in some of the roads around the campus – make sure you check signs before leaving your car.

The traffic wardens in the area are

extremely vigilant so if you overstay

your welcome you’re likely to receive

a ticket or potentially find your car

has been towed away – you have

been warned!

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During your studies you will come across a number of key staff who will be able to assist you at various points in your course.

Personal Tutor

You will be allocated a personal tutor at the start of your programme to provide ongoing support throughout your course. You will meet with them after each placement to sign off your placement document and they will be your first contact for most problems and queries during your time at Birmingham City University.

Programme Director

Each nursing programme has a programme director, who has overall responsibility for the operation of that programme. They can assist you with queries that affect your progress on the programme, such as requests for intermissions. Your programme directors are:

• Diploma – Roger Cobley (deputy – Rose Hall)• Degree – Nathalie Turville • Graduate Diploma – Tim Badger

Department of Practice Learning

The department administers all placements that are under taken by students in the Department of Nursing. This includes providing your placement documents, allocating your placements and assisting with any problems you may face on placement. You should ensure that if you have any difficulties in relation to placements that you make them aware.

Senior Staff

The Head of Department of Nursing and Women’s Health, Lilieth Williams, has overall responsibility for ensuring that your course and your progress on it complies with the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The Dean of the Faculty of Health, Professor Ian Blair, has overall responsibility for all aspects of the faculty’s work. Your tutors will seek advice from senior staff if you have any queries that cannot be dealt with by your route director.

Staff on placement

Whenever you go on placement you will be allocated at least one assessor/mentor, a qualified nurse who will be your assessor for the placement. Your placement provider will also employ a Practice Placement Manager who is responsible for the smooth running of placements and for dealing with any problems you might have whilst at your placement. You will also come across other members of hospital staff, such as ward managers who may be responsible for aspects of your placement such as shift allocation.

Who’s Who?

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NHS Bursaries

The main source of financial support for nursing students is the

NHS bursary. These are available for full or part-time pre-registration courses such as midwifery,

nursing and radiography. The Department of Health produces an annual guide entitled, “Financial Help for Healthcare Students”, that sets out the amounts payable.

Please note that Birmingham City University does not accept self-funding students onto pre-registration nursing courses so if you’re not entitled to a bursary you will not be able to join the course. If you have any problems with your bursary entitlement once you have started the course, please contact the Advice Centre.

Who is entitled to a bursary?To be eligible for an NHS bursary you must have been accepted for an NHS funded place on your course. You will also need to meet the personal eligibility criteria. This will depend on the course you are doing, where you live and your residency status in the UK. The residence requirements can be complex so contact the Advice Centre if you need assistance.

Bursaries are administered by NHS Student Bursaries, who will notify you of the amount of bursary you will receive and ensure that you receive payment. If you meet the eligibility criteria for a bursary you will be able to receive one, even if you have previously received funding for another course of Higher Education (this includes a previous NHS bursary for another course).

How do I apply?Once you have been offered an NHS funded place, the University will tell NHS Student Bursaries that they have made you an offer. NHS Student Bursaries will then send you an application pack for your bursary. You should return the form, along with the supporting documentation required, as soon as you can to avoid your bursary being delayed at the start of your course. You will be sent a letter once you start your training to tell you how much your bursary will be and when it will be paid.

Types of Bursary

As a result of age discrimination legislation there have been some changes to the bursary system. These took effect from the 1st September 2007. If you began your course prior to this date you will be assessed as an existing student, if you start on or after September 1st you will be assessed as a new student.

Students on Diploma Courses(e.g. DipHE Nursing, Graduate Diploma in Nursing, Midwifery or Operating Department Practice)

Students on Diploma courses receive a non means-tested bursary. This means you will receive a basic maintenance grant without your family income being taken into account. The basic bursary rate for 2008/9 will be £6,275 per year for existing students and £6,531 per year for new students whether you are living away from home or with your parents. This is calculated on the assumption that you will be attending your course for 45 weeks during the academic year. You will also receive a one-off payment of £55 at the start of your course.

Financial Support...

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Students on Degree Courses (e.g. - BSc (Hons) Nursing)

Bursaries on these course courses are means-tested, which means the amount of help you receive will depend on your income and that of your parents, spouse or partner.

The basic bursary rate in 2008/9 is £2,483 for existing students and £2,739 for new students. If you live with your parents during your course your basic bursary will be £2,031 if you are an existing student and £2,287 if you are a new student. If the length of your course exceeds 30 weeks and 3 days in the academic year you will also receive an additional allowance of £80 per week (£53 if you live at home) for each of the extra weeks when you have to attend your course. If your course lasts for more than 45 weeks you will receive an allowance for all 52 weeks of the year.

Additional Allowances

In addition to the basic bursary some students will receive extra allowances based on their personal circumstances. If you are eligible you may receive:

Dependants’ Allowances If there are other people who will be financially dependent on you during your course (e.g. husband, wife, civil partner or children) you may receive additional money. This allowance is means-tested so the income of your dependants will be taken into account.

Disabled Students’ Allowance Students who have a disability may receive financial help towards course costs, such as specialist equipment or travel costs. You can get further advice on disability issues from Student Services on 0121 331 5588.

Childcare Allowance If, on the first day of the academic year, you have a dependent child aged

14 or under (aged 16 or under if the child has special educational needs), you may be able to claim help towards the cost of child care. Your chosen child care provider must be registered or approved and the allowance is means tested. You may receive up to 85% of the cost of paying for child care up to a maximum of £123.25 per week for one child or £182.75 per week for two or more children. You will receive information on how to apply for the Childcare Allowance in your bursary application pack.

Parental Learning Allowance (New Students) You can claim this allowance if you are the main carer of a dependent child or children. You may be able to claim up to £ 1,239.00 if you are a degree-level student and £1,076.00 if you are a Diploma-level student. However, the allowance is subject to income assessment for both sets of students.

Single Parent Addition (Existing Students who joined before 1st September 2007) Students who are lone parents may be eligible for this allowance, which can be up to £1,270 over 52 weeks for degree students and £1,076 over 52 weeks for diploma students. You cannot claim this allowance at the same time as claiming Older Students’ Allowance.

Older Students’ Allowance (Existing students only) If you are 26 years old before the first academic year of your course you will receive this allowance. You cannot receive this as well as the Single Parent Addition (see above). The start date of the academic year may be different from the date your course starts so if you are not receiving this allowance and think you are eligible, please check with the Advice Centre. For diploma students the additional allowance is £733 per year. For degree students the figure depends on your age and income.

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How will my bursary be paid?

Your total bursary entitlement will be split into 12 monthly payments across the year. On enrolment your first Bursary instalment (in the first year only) will normally be an advance payment to cover the first two months of training. This will be paid into the bank/building society nominated on your application form, usually within 2 weeks of starting your course.

Subsequent payments will be made directly into your bank account on the 3rd Friday of each month by the Bank Automated Credit System (BACS). These automated payments will normally start in the 3rd month of training.

Problems with your bursary

I haven’t received it - Bursary payments take a few days to show up on cash machine print outs so you will need to visit your branch or check your bank account on-line to see if they money has been received. If it is still not visible, you should contact the Student Grants Unit to find out what the problem is.

I received less than I normally do – there may be a problem with your additional allowances or an admin error. Contact the Advice Centre and we will contact the Student Grants Unit on your behalf to find out what the problem is.

I can’t get through to the Student Grants Unit by phone/e-mail – the Advice Centre has a special non-public contact number for the Student Grants Unit. If you’re having a problem with your bursary and are finding it difficult to get through to the Student Grants Unit about it, contact us and we can enquire on your behalf.

My circumstances have changed – you can download a change of circumstances, bank details

or address form from www.nhsstudentgrants.co.uk – you should complete this and return it to the Student Grants Unit. It can take up to 6 Weeks for them to process information so don’t leave it until the last minute.

Student Loans

If you are studying on a course that attracts a means-tested bursary (i.e.- degree) you will also be able to apply to the Student Loans Company for a reduced-rate Student Loan to help pay for living costs. The rate is £2,265 for students living away from home and £1,700 for students who live with their parents during term-time. If you have received funding for a previous course your entitlement to this loan may be affected. Please note that students in receipt of non-means tested bursaries (i.e. - diploma) will not be able to apply for a Student Loan.

Applications should made through your Local Education Authority (LEA). You can get an application form either from your LEA or www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance. Further information on Student Loans, including contact details for LEAs, is available from www.direct.gov.uk.

You will receive your loan in three instalments during the year. You will not have to repay the loan until the April after you have graduated or finished your course. If at that point you are earning less than £15,000 you will not have to start paying back the loan until your income exceeds that amount.

Seconded/Military Students

If you are an NHS trust employee of an NHS trust or the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine and are receiving a wage from your employer to attend a health care course, you will have your fees paid and continue to receive a salary whilst you are studying. Seconded and military students are not eligible for

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an NHS bursary. However, if you meet the various eligibility conditions you can apply for a Student Loan. This applies whether you are studying for a degree or a diploma course. Part of the Student Loan is means-tested so the amount you receive may be affected by your income from the Trust. You may also be entitled to claim the Child Care Grant and Disabled Student’s Allowance.

As you are considered to be employed, you may also be eligible to claim Working Tax Credit (see below for more details). If you encounter financial hardship during your course, you may also be eligible to apply to the University’s Access to Learning Fund (see below).

Additional Financial Help

Practice Placement CostsIf you are in receipt of an NHS bursary you may also be get help with the cost of getting to your placements. If the cost of travelling to your placement exceeds your normal daily travel costs from home to University, you may be reimbursed for the increased expenditure. This can include public transport, essential car use, bicycle travel and parking costs. If you incur additional accommodation costs due to attending a placement, for example if you are required to pay for accommodation nearer to your placement, you may also be reimbursed. Contact your Programme Director for more details of how to claim back these costs.

If you’re a seconded or military student the arrangements for claiming travel costs may be different. Contact your Trust / the Defence School for more information.

Access to Learning Fund This is a discretionary fund which is administered through the University’s Student Services

Department. It is designed to assist students who need extra financial support because of unexpected financial crises or to alleviate cases of financial hardship. Both Diploma and Degree students (including seconded and military students) are eligible to apply to this fund but you will be expected to have taken up any other help to which you are entitled (e.g.- bursary and student loan if eligible). The fund does not have to be repaid.

To apply you will need to complete a “Student Finance Application Form” and submit it to Student Services. Providing you have included all the required evidence you should receive a written decision and any payment for which you are eligible within 4 weeks.

Short-term LoansIn cases where a student’s bursary or loan is delayed, a short-term loan of up to £150 may be given by Student Services. The loan does not incur interest but you will be expected to repay it once you receive your bursary/loan. Application forms are available from Student Services or the Advice Centre.

Benefits and Tax CreditsMost full time students are not eligible to claim means-tested benefits such as Income Support, Housing Benefit and Job Seeker’s Allowance. However, students in certain groups, such as students with children or disabled students may still be eligible to apply. In addition, if you have a partner who is not a full time student they may be able to claim benefit for you.

• Child Benefit is a tax-free regular payment made to anyone bringing up a child or young person. It isn’t affected by your income or savings so most people who bring up a child or young person can get it.

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• Child Tax Credit is paid if you’re responsible for at least one child under 16 or young person in full-time education at school or college, or who’s doing approved training on a specified programme like Entry to Employment. Tax credits are based on your household circumstances. You do not have to be working to claim CTC, you can claim Child Tax Credit if your income is no more than £58,000 a year (up to £66,000 if you have a child under one). You can apply on line at www.hmrc.gov.uk or call 0845 300 3900 for an application pack.

If you are working more than 16 hours per week, you may also be eligible for Working Tax Credit (WTC), depending on your personal circumstances. Further information is available from www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Some students may be able to claim non means-tested benefits such as Disability Living Allowance. The rules on benefits are complicated so contact the Advice Centre for further information.

Council Tax Full time students are not ‘visible’ for council tax purposes, which means the council will ignore you when considering the number of adults in a property. If you live only with other full-time students or children under the age of 18, the household will not have to pay council tax.

If there is only one other non-student adult in the property, they will usually be liable to pay the council tax but will receive a 25% discount because you are living there. If there are two or more other non-student adults, they will usually be liable to pay the full amount of council tax. Any non-students who are on a low income may be able to claim council tax benefit to help with the cost. Council tax liability can be complicated, particularly if you live with non-students, so if you are unsure please ask the Advice Centre.

You will need to provide proof to the council that you are studying full-time. The Department of Nursing and Women’s Health Office can provide you with a council tax exemption certificate, which you can pass on to the council to show you are a student.

Part-time workMany students find that part-time work is a good way to boost their income during the course. The University advises students on nursing courses to avoid jobs that require you to work fixed shifts, as this may be a problem when attending placements. When you’re on placement you’ll be working equivalent hours to a full-time job so should be careful about taking on extra work outside. Remember, you will still need to be wide awake and enthusiastic on placement. For more information about finding part-time work, contact Student Services Job Shop on 0121 331 5588.

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Regardless of your academic background, there may be times during your course where you’re not sure how to approach an essay or need some extra help with revision for an exam.

The Personal Development Centre is based on Edgbaston Campus and is a useful source of help and support for study skills. The Centre runs short evening classes in topics such as essay writing, referencing, maths and revision techniques. They can assist students with previous nursing experience in applying to have their prior learning accredited and also provide academic careers advice on health-related careers. The Centre can be contacted on 0121 331 7011 or e-mail sherron.parkes@bcu.ac.uk

The Learner Development Unit is part of the Staff and Student Development Department. Staff can assist with essay writing, general study skills, referencing and can also provide English language support and tuition. The Unit is based at City North campus (Perry Barr) but provides one-to-one support sessions at Edgbaston campus on an appointment basis. They can be contacted on 0121 331 6552 or visit their website www.ssdd.bcu.ac.uk/learner.

Study Skills...

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Coursework Deadline Extension

If you have not been able to hand in your coursework on the specified day because you have been experiencing personal problems you may be able to ask for an extension. The maximum extension that can be granted is ten working days.

You will not be able to get an extension if the coursework is a reassessment and the assessment regulations governing your programme of study only allow requests for extensions at the first attempt at the coursework (in most cases students who stated before September 2005 cant receive an extension for a reassessment where as if you started after 1st September 2005, you can) It is also not possible to receive an extension where the nature and/or timing of a particular coursework means that it would not be possible to give an extension.

To apply for an extension, you will need to complete the Coursework Extension Request Form, available from the Student Office – please note, individual members of staff cannot grant an extension. The form must be returned together with your coursework and supporting evidence to your faculty or school office within ten working days of the original course work deadline.

Academic Problems...

We hope that you enjoy your course and that it goes smoothly. However, there may be times when you have concerns about exams, placements or assignments. For a small number of students there may even be times when the University is concerned about your suitability to remain on a course. Below is a summary of the main Academic Regulations used within the University. If you need further information contact the Advice Centre.

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To claim, you will need to complete a form (available from faculty offices, the Academic Registry and the Advice Centre) and return it to the Academic Registry with a statement detailing what the problem was and any supporting evidence. Claims must be submitted within 15 working days of the publication of the results.

Disciplinary Procedure

The Disciplinary Procedure may be used where student is alleged to have behaved in a way that is dishonest, endangers other students or may bring the University into disrepute. If you are accused of a disciplinary offence (such as plagiarism or poor behaviour in halls) the University will investigate and, if necessary, may call a disciplinary hearing. This is your chance to respond to any allegation made against you and you have the right to be accompanied by an advisor from the Students’ Union or a friend and they have the right to speak on your behalf. If you have extenuating circumstances these can be taken into account. The hearing should reach a conclusion which is reasonable and based on the circumstances of the case, and the evidence that has been made available. If the allegations are upheld there are a number of possible penalties. These include:

• a formal written warning• a final written warning • exclusion from the University (in exceptional cases and rarely for a first offence)• In addition, there may be an academic penalty such as repeating the coursework/ exam with the mark capped at 40%

If you are found to have committed a disciplinary offence, you have the right to appeal against the decision or the penalty and the Advice Centre can assist you to do this.

Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances

If you believe that your ability to perform in an assessment (such as coursework, placements or exams) has been affected by illness, personal problems or other circumstances beyond your control you may be able to make a claim for Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances (EECs).

You can obtain an EEC claim form from your faculty/school office, the Academic Registry or the Advice Centre. You should return the completed form, together with a statement about your circumstances and independent supporting evidence to the Academic Registry within 15 working days of the publication of your results. Claims cannot be made until after the results for the assessment have been published by the Exam Board. If your claim is successful you will usually be allowed to retake the assessment as though for the first time. If you’re on a course where you have a limited number of attempts at assignments you can also use EECs if you’ve had problems to prevent you losing one of your attempts.

Material Error

This procedure can be used to appeal against the decision of an Exam Board on the grounds that there has been an irregularity in the way an assessment has been conducted. For example, a student who has failed a placement because they did not have a mentor or were not given the required interviews during the placement may have a claim. Other examples include mistakes in the way marks have been calculated or failing to follow the proper assessment regulations. You cannot make a claim if you simply disagree with your mark. Equally, if you are unhappy with the course or quality of teaching, you will need to use the Student Complaints Procedure rather than claiming Material Error.

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unable to resolve your complaint and you are still unhappy then you can use the formal complaints procedure. It is a good idea to seek advice from The Advice centre before submitting your formal complaint.

To formally complain you will need to complete a form (available from faculty offices, the Academic Registry and the Advice Centre) and return it to the Academic Registry with details of which department, faculty or service you are complaining about, why you are unhappy and what you would like the university to do to resolve your complaint. Once the form has been received by the Academic Registry your complaint will be acknowledged and will be investigated. If you are unhappy with the outcome of the investigation you can appeal to an independent Student Complaints panel.

Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA)If you have exhausted internal University procedures and you wish to take the matter further, you may be able to make a claim to the OIA (www.oiahe.org.uk). The OIA cannot deal with all cases so please contact the Advice Centre if you need assistance.

Fitness for Practice

If concerns are raised about your professional suitability or behaviour either on the course or on placement the faculty may use this procedure to determine whether you are able to continue on the course. You should be made aware of the faculty’s concerns and, if appropriate, a Faculty Practice Panel may be convened to consider the case and give you an opportunity to answer the concerns. You have the right to be accompanied to any Panel meeting by an advisor from the Students’ Union or a friend who may speak on your behalf.

The panel may decide one of the following outcomes:

• no further action• an extended period of placement at the same provider• a new placement at the same or a different provider• an interruption of studies whilst receiving therapy/counselling/medical treatment.• a recommendation to the Examination Board that the student be excluded from programmeIf you are subject to this procedure and are unhappy with the outcome, you have the right to appeal the decision. The Advice Centre can assist with any appeal.

Students’ Complaints Procedure

The Students’ Complaints Procedure is intended to address any issues students have about their experience at University in relation to the provision of services, aspects of their course, alleged discrimination or complaints by students who are dissatisfied in their dealings with the Students’ Union. As a first step try raising the issue you have with the relevant tutor (e.g. programme director) before using the formal procedure. If they are

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As a student nurse you will be expected to undertake a variety of placements. This is a time to put theory into practice, learn key skills and achieve the required competencies for registration. Placements are a crucial part of the course so it’s important to make sure you’re proactive so that you get the most out of them.

Checks that have to be made

When you applied for your course you will have been asked to complete a health declaration to confirm you are fit to commence the course. You will be given some information to pass on to your GP so that he or she can confirm you are fit and healthy enough to go out on placement.

You will also be asked to complete a Criminal Records Bureau check to ensure that you are safe to work with the vulnerable people you may encounter on placement. If these checks have not been completed your placements may be delayed so it’s important to make sure you return any information requested by the University promptly. If you have any queries about health and criminal records checks, please contact your personal tutor or route director.

Arranging a placement

At the start of your course you will be asked to complete a standard placement request form to indicate the areas where you would prefer to undertake your placements. The staff in the Department of Practice Learning will then identify an appropriate placement for your branch and level of study.

There are hundreds of students requiring placements so there’s no guarantee a placement can be found in your preferred area. If you have concerns about the placement you have been given, you should approach Department of

Practice Learning to discuss them. In some cases it may be possible to change placements but this is subject to availability.

Your placements are posted on the Department of Practice Learning website 4-6 weeks before your placement is due to start telling you the location of your placement. You should then make contact with the placement provider around 10-14 days before your placement starts. You can get the contact details of the placement provider from the Department of Practice Learning office. If you have any problems getting hold of your placement provider in advance, you should contact the Department of Practice Learning who should be able to assist you.

How long will my placement be?The Nursing and Midwifery Council has a requirement that placements must be at least 4 weeks duration to facilitate formal assessment of practice. At Birmingham City University, wherever possible, first attempts at placement are normally between 6-10 weeks. Second attempts are usually of 4 weeks duration and you will normally have two mentors working with you.

What hours will I have to work?You will need to discuss your hours of work with the placement. They may be able to accommodate family commitments etc, however, you will be expected to work a variety of shifts, including night shifts to experience different working patterns and work with a variety of members of staff. If you have been given a shift on a Bank Holiday during your placement, you will be expected to work unless your placement is closed for the day.

Who will I be working with?You will be allocated an assessor/mentor for the duration of your placement. They will act as your assessor and aim to assist you in identifying ways of meeting your competencies and gaining new

Placements...

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skills. The mentor must be a Registered Nurse who has been qualified for a minimum of 12 months and who has undertaken training for their role. It’s important to build a good relationship with your mentor, as they can be an important source of support and guidance. Your mentor may ask you to work with other members of staff and may seek feedback from these staff members about your work.

If you don’t have a mentor you should contact the Department of Practice Learning and your personal tutor immediately. There may be times when you may feel that your mentor is not being helpful or even cases where clashes of personality with a mentor can have a detrimental effect on the placement. You should try to address these issues in a constructive manner but if this doesn’t work then document the problem and let the Department of Practice Learning and the Practice Placement Manager in your placement setting know.

How often should I work with my mentor?The accepted guideline for the minimum number of hours a student is expected to work with their mentor is 15 hours out of a 37.5 hour working week. There is no requirement to work a specified number of night shifts with a mentor, although students will often take the opportunity to work night shifts if their assessor is working them in order to gain more experience.

What do I have to wear?Depending on your branch, most of your placements will require you to wear the Birmingham City University student nurse uniform. If uniform is not required for a particular placement, advice should be sought from the placement regarding appropriate clothing.

When travelling to and from placements you should ensure that your uniform is covered or that you change into normal clothes before travelling. If there are problems with changing or locker facilities at your placement, you should speak to your mentor about this.

How many interviews should I have?You should have a minimum of three interviews whilst on placement:

Initial Interview - you should have a formal meeting with your mentor in the first week of your placement to identify the skills available for assessment and to identify your learning needs. You should also receive information about general procedures on the placement.

Midway interview- Approximately half way through the placement a formal mid term interview should be held between the mentor and you to discuss your progress. It is at this stage that any problems or lack of development should be flagged up. Most importantly if the mentor believes that you are in danger of not achieving competencies then she/he must contact the Clinical Liaison Team/Clinical Placement Co-ordinator to make them aware of the problem. This is crucial in order for steps to be taken to ensure that you have additional support in place to assist you in achieving the level required. Any assistance or action plan given should be recorded in the placement document.

Final interview - At the end of the placement a final interview should take place where your overall performance and grades will be discussed. Your documentation should also be completed and signed.

These interviews are essential to your nursing development. You should request the interviews

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if they are not arranged for you. If, for whatever reason, you do not have one or all of these interviews then contact the Department of Practice Learning, your personal tutor or your route director as soon as possible and document any advice given.

What documentation will I need to complete?You will be given a placement document in which to record how you plan to meet your learning outcomes and competencies. Your documentation should be completed at the final interview and should not be kept by your mentor nor should it be completed without you being present. If either of these things happens then contact the Department of Practice Learning to make them aware of the situation and document any advice you are given. Remember, it’s a disciplinary offence to falsify any part of your document, so if you’re having problems getting your mentor to fill out his or her sections, you should contact Department of Practice Learning for assistance.

Problems with Placements...

What if I am sick or off work?If you are unwell or absent for any other reason during your placement you must let both your placement and the University know of your absence. The University has a Sickness Answer-Line on 0121 331 7010 where you can leave a message. You should also keep a check on your Record of Attendance whilst on placement and ensure it is up to date and correct.

It’s expected that you will have 100% attendance on your placement, if you are sick or absent from placement for some of the placement then it may not possible for you to be assessed. If you fail a placement due to sickness absence or family problems, you may be able to claim Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances so seek advice from

the Advice Centre, your course director or your personal tutor.

Allegations of bullyingSome students may find it difficult to work with their allocated mentor or other members of staff on placement. You should try and address these issues constructively with the staff member concerned or with your personal tutor. If you feel that you are the victim of bullying or unfair treatment by a member of staff whilst on placement then you should also seek advice from the Department of Practice Learning or the Advice Centre. If you are a member of Unison or the Royal College of Nursing they may also be able to provide assistance.

Help! I’ve lost my documentation!If you’ve lost your placement document you will need to contact Department of Practice Learning to ask for a new one. There is a charge for replacement documents. If you have lost your portfolio there will also be a charge for a replacement.

Failing a placementIf you fail a placement for the first time you will usually be given a second attempt. Failure of a second attempt normally leads to withdrawal from the course. If at either attempt your failure was due to exceptional circumstances or material error and your claim is upheld then that attempt should be ignored. It is important to remember that the material error procedure may cover lack of mentorship, failure by the mentor to conduct a mid way or final interview, and mentor absence.

If you have problems for whatever reason on your first attempt at placement you may be told that there is not need to do anything about it because you have a second attempt anyway. It is actually important that you do claim at this stage rather

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University Accommodation

There are a variety of accommodation options available at Birmingham City University. Information on accommodation can be found on the University website at www.bcu.ac.uk/accommodation. If you have any problems during your time in halls, the Advice Centre may be able to help you address them.

Private Sector

It is particularly important when using the private rented sector that you do not take a house before viewing it and that you check, if there are gas appliances, that the landlord has provided you with a gas safety certificate. When you rent a property you are creating a contract between yourself and the landlord, whether or not you sign a written agreement. It’s also important to consider who you’re going to be living with and agree on a price and area you’re all happy with. See the Advice Centre’s “House Hunting Guide” for further information and advice on looking for somewhere to live.

Accommodation...than waiting for the outcome of your second attempt. If you are in this situation and are unsure what to do, then contact the Advice Centre.

Who do I contact if I have a problem?If you have any concerns or problems whilst on placement you should initially try to discuss these with a member of Department of Practice Learning staff. If you are not able to contact a member of the Department of Practice Learning you should try to speak to either you personal tutor, your route director or even the head of your branch. You should keep a record of any e-mails or telephone calls and any advice you are given. If at any stage you feel that your concerns are not being taken seriously or members of staff appear unwilling to help then contact the Advice Centre.

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I’ve completed my Occupational Health form but my health has changed- what do I do?You must inform Occupational Health immediately if there are any changes in the information you have provided, as this may affect their judgment on your suitability for placements.

I’ve found out I’m pregnant – what will happen about my course?If you fall pregnant during your course, you will need to inform your course director/personal tutor and your placement provider. A risk assessment will be conducted and there may need to be changes to your placements depending on the stage of your pregnancy and any identified risks.

In most cases you will be expected to take an interruption of studies at some point between weeks 28 and 32 of your pregnancy, although you may be able to continue until week 36 if your GP or midwife considers you fit to do so. You will normally be expected to continue your interruption of studies until it is practical for you to return, this is normally around 6 months after giving birth but can be longer depending on your needs. Once you return you will rejoin the next group that reaches the stage of the course at which you interrupted your studies. This will mean joining a different cohort – your Route Director can give you further information.

You will also need to notify the NHS Grants Unit. The NHS Grants Unit will pay a maternity award which allows students to take a break from their studies for up to 45 weeks and continue to receive most of their normal NHS bursary payments and allowances. It cannot exceed 45 weeks other than in exceptional circumstances subject to the discretion of the university. The maternity award may include payment of the Childcare Allowance element of the NHS Bursary

I’d like to take a break from my course – is this possible?If you are experiencing illness or personal problems that may mean you need a break from your course, it’s possible to ‘interrupt’ your studies for a specified period. This allows you to take time out within being entered for assessments or penalised for non-attendance. You will need to formally register your interruption using a form available from your faculty office. The Advice Centre can give further help and support with taking an interruption, changing courses or options if you are considering withdrawing from your course.

How do I join a Union?As a student at Birmingham City University you are automatically part of the Students’ Union, which is affiliated to the National Union of Students (NUS). This means that you can take advantage of NUS services and discounts, as well as receive advice and representation from staff in the Students’ Union Advice Centre if you have any academic or placement problems.

As a student nurse, you have clinical/professional as well as academic responsibilities and may also be working part-time to fund your studies. It’s therefore a good idea to join a Nursing Union, such as the RCN or Unison, at the start of your course. The Unions provide advice and representation for employment-related or professional issues.

RCN - student membership of the RCN is £10 per year, which includes access to professional indemnity insurance, newsletters and bulletins and employment relations support. For more info visit www.rcn.org.uk or call them on 0845 772 6100.

Unison - student membership is £10 per year, which includes legal services, employment advice and representation and regular magazines. Visit www.unison.org.uk or call 0845 355 0845.

Frequently Asked Questions...

The House Hunting Guide is produced by The Advice Centre, Birmingham City Students’ Union.

While every effort was made to ensure that the information in this guide was correct at time of publication, no liability can be accepted

for omissions or inaccuracies.

The Advice Centre Birmingham City Students’ Union,

The Union Building, City North Campus, Birmingham B42 2SU

www.birminghamcitysu.com/adviceunion.advice-centre@bcu.ac.uk

Tel: 0121 331 6801

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