Long Arm Supervision (LAS) Placements

Information for students, placement providers, supervisors and assessors
Male College Student Meeting Talking With Campus Counselor Discussing Mental Health Issues. Advice and guidance.Getty 1218975578
The Long Arm (indirect) Supervision model enables students to gain practice experience in areas that provide health and care services in a range of care settings staffed by individuals with expertise in their sphere but who are not registered Health Care Professionals. The structure of these placements ensures that the student is supported by a partnership between placement and University-employed staff. 
The LAS placement support is provided by an On-site Supervisor who is employed by the placement host. This person will be an experienced member of staff – normally holding a senior position (classed as a non-registered Health Care Professional). There may be more than one On-site Supervisor (providing additional support or holiday/sick cover). If there are no registrants, Long Arm Practice Supervisors and Assessors will be allocated to support the student and On-site Supervisor. Some LAS placements may have registrants from other professions such as Social Work/ AHPs; in this case it may only be necessary to have limited Long Arm Practice Supervisor support and allocation of a Long Arm Practice Assessor.

I gained knowledge that I wouldn't have on a typical ward

Second year student
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child Health)  

I have learned a lot about myself during this placement. I am able to connect with the teenage population and I can help to make a difference which I am absolutely thrilled about doing

The concept of students working in non-traditional health settings enables different appreciation of the wider determinants of health and that health is more than simply statutory health provision. It gives greater understanding of the role of non-registered health care delivery and person centred care as well as a different insight into ways of working and health service delivery.

Long Arm Supervisor and Academic Assessor

The education setting is so important to the early intervention support for young people that this was clearly a really exciting placement to be involved in

Long Arm Practice Supervisor/ Assessor and Mental Health Lecturer
 

Overview of the Model and Organisation

Onsite Supervisors

  • Non-registrant
  • Employed by placement host
  • Daily onsite supervision of students/weekly face-to-face review meeting with student and Long Arm Supervisor (online)
  • Documentation of progress for upload to ePAD

Long Arm Assessors/Supervisors​

  • NMC registrants
  • Employed by University via staff bank
  • Act as main link between Onsite Supervisor(s) and University
  • LA Supervisor attends a weekly (minimum) online meeting with Onsite Supervisor and students...has additional regular contact with the students as required
  • LA Supervisor and LA Assessor meet weekly (minimum) to discuss student progress
  • LA Assessor carries out (off-site) assessment elements and liaises with Academic Assessor about student progress
  • Documentation in ePAD
Long Arm Supervision model
 

Training and Preparation (students, placements and long arm staff)

Key documents

Guidance documents for developing NMC proficiencies