Welcome to your Nursing Practice (Mental Health) course

Welcome to University of Staffordshire

We know you're already passionate about your subject, which is why we're excited you've chosen University of Staffordshire as the place to turn possibility into reality.

To give you an insight into what life as a Nursing Practice (Mental Health) student is like, your course leaders have prepared introductions to the course and further activities.

A warm welcome and thank you for choosing the MSc in Mental Health Nursing Programme. The whole teaching team are looking forward to teaching and supporting you over the next 2 years.

You will already have met the Course Lead and possibly some of your peers whilst you have been completing the RPL process.

We understand that starting a new course can feel daunting, and you will be given plenty of information and support to help you settle into university life. You may already be familiar with the world of Adult Nursing and academia from previous experience. This programme will give you the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and values required to work as a Registered Mental Health Nurse and register with Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

First activity

You will have been attending regular coffee evenings over the past few months, to gain advice and support in completing your RPL process.

The first formal Welcome Week session is on 9 January 2024 on campus. This week has been developed to welcome you to both the University and the School of Health and Wellbeing. You will be given your programme timetable and course information, so that you will know what to expect over the next two years. You will also meet your Course Leads, Course Director and Senior Management Team.

DBS Checks

Your place on the course is subject to a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check. If you have worked previously in a healthcare setting you will be familiar with this process. Our Regulation and Compliance Team will contact you well in advance of the course start date to begin this checking process for all students, so that it is completed prior to your first placement.

Student Occupational Health

Your place on the course is subject to Occupational health clearance. You will be contacted by TP Health our Occupational Health provider to complete your pre course screening information. You will then be invited to attend a face-to-face appointment during your first week of the course. We would advise that you make every effort to attend this appointment as delaying this may affect your ability to access your online learning platform, and start date on your first clinical placement.

Student Uniform

Your will be able to order your student nursing uniform during your first week on the course. When this is available you will be expected to wear full uniform during clinical skills lessons in university and on placement in clinical practice.

Introductory Reading

Introductory reading will be identified for each module when this is launched. We would advise that rather than purchase books, that you use our online library services to access reading materials.

Course Delivery

Most teaching will be classroom based i.e. on campus. This face-to-face contact is crucial in developing your communications skills but, equally it enables a cohesive and robust learning environment. However, there may be times when some learning may be conducted online.

Progression

The course is designed to ensure that you progress in line with Parts 2 and 3 of the NMC Future Nurse Curriculum. Successful completion of theory and practice elements will enable you to then apply for registration with the NMC and obtain your PIN to practice as a Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN). Your progress is monitored closely by the team, and you will receive feedback and support throughout the course.

Study Skills

Whether you're joining us after recent prior academic study or you're returning to education after some time away, everyone can benefit from the Academic Study Skills resources provided by the University library.

The Academic Skills team is here to support you throughout your academic journey and to help you gain the skills you need to reach your full potential. They can assist with academic reading and writing skills, give advice on how best to plan assignments, and help improve your time management.

The library's Academic Skills Guides offer the key information to make studying easier and give a comprehensive guide to the learning resources and services we offer.

Meet the team

Donna Doherty

Senior Lecturer

Donna is a Nursing Lecturer involved in Undergraduate Pre Registration Nursing Programmes and Course Lead for the Masters of Nursing Adult Route. Her main areas of interest are ageing and mental health, Dementia care and Professional Values.

Donna's profile

Helen Ashwood

Senior Lecturer

I am the Course Lead for the MSc Nursing and am passionate about student experience both in university and practice placements.

Helen's profile

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.

We look forward to welcoming you in January 2024.

If you have any questions, please send them to your Course Leader: Helen Ashwood h.ashwood@staffs.ac.uk