FdSc – Foundation Degree in Science Nursing Associate

This module will provide you with the theoretical and practical study skills necessary for successful completion of the Nursing Associate Foundation Degree. It will give you an understanding of the learning process and of yourself; developing confidence to take control of your learning. It offers you the opportunity to apply different approaches and learning strategies and to develop the study skills needed for Higher Education.

Through a combination of simulation based education and direct care, this module will allow you to develop a relevant knowledge base, skills and behaviours to fulfil the professional requirements for the nursing associate programme. You will have the opportunity to apply the theoretical principles from year 1 modules to your clinical practice.

This module aims to provide an underpinning of anatomical and physiological knowledge for safe and effective delivery of care regardless of setting. The module introduces and reinforces an understanding of the major physiological systems, their normal workings and frequently encountered potential abnormalities that may occur for those requiring health care throughout the lifespan.

The teaching and learning of anatomy and physiology within the module will follow an integrated approach. Students will have the opportunity to apply principles of normal anatomy and physiology alongside the relevant specialist care skills being taught.

This theory module will introduce you to the study of major psychological and social influences on human behaviour within the context of health care. You will gain understanding of the links between behaviour, and the development of self, and will develop your understanding of health behaviour and aspects of health care delivery.

Nursing Associates play a role in supporting people to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and wellbeing (NMC, 2018).

You will gain an understanding of Public Health and how this will inform nursing associate practice, moving from universal prevention campaigns to targeted approaches across the lifespan. You will explore health promotion theories and models and how behaviour can be changed. This will link to evidence regarding the social determinants of health. Health priorities will be considered by exploring global strategies, local and national legislation, and research-based clinical guidance. You will also explore ethical issues, human rights and how marginalised communities are supported to promote health and wellbeing.

In this module you will explore theories and current thinking underpinning and guiding evidence based decision making in nursing associate practice. The module will provide you with an understanding of the complexities of legal and ethical aspects of the delivery of care in various settings and your own accountability within the delivery of nursing associate care.

Throughout the module you will develop an understanding of the need for best practice in the workplace, with opportunities to highlight and discuss the implications and recommendations for your practice in relation to your own findings.

Through a review of literature you will examine research and evidence around a specific legal and ethical issue which you will identify from your own area of work.

As the first Level 5 PBL module, this module builds on the previous year’s theory modules and PBL modules. By the end of the module, you will have demonstrated new knowledge and its application to professional practice.

This module develops your knowledge of specific areas of nursing associate care across the lifespan. It introduces the underpinning frameworks and responsibilities for the organisation, assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of holistic family/person-centred and compassionate care in a variety of settings. It is underpinned with an understanding of local and national policies that influence the delivery of health care.

This is the final Practice Based Learning module, which consolidates all of your previous learning; it will enable you to link the application of theory to practice. Within this module, you are expected to be a more independent, self-directed learner who can identify and fulfil their own learning needs and objectives.