How will you be assessed?
Both Year 1 and 2 of your pre-registration nursing associate apprenticeship will include six, 20 Credit modules of study, each of which will be academically assessed. Where possible, assessments will be linked to areas of practice you are working in, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your personal learning and development.
You will be supported in practice by a qualified RN / NA Practice Supervisor and continually assessed through a Practice Assessment Document (PAD). This includes evidencing achievement of the NMC (2018) Standards of proficiency for nursing associates, and demonstrating that you are working within the professional values defined within The NMC Code (2018).
To support your PAD, you will also maintain an ePortfolio of Evidence where you will record your reflections on various aspects of professional practice.
In addition to continuous assessment and maintaining an ePortfolio of Evidence, there are also two formal assessment points in practice each academic year. This is to ensure you are applying your newly learned knowledge and skills and this is assessed through two episodes of care and one medicines management assessment. These are undertaken by a qualified RN / NA Practice Assessor
Upon successful completion of the two-year academic programme and when all programme hours have been achieved, you will undertake an ‘End-Point Assessment’ (EPA). This is usually within three months of the University Subject Panel & Award Board. The EPA is provided by an independent External Assessor and will include two, 1-Hour Professional Discussions.
What support will you receive?
In practice you will be supported by qualified RN / NA Practice Supervisors and many organisations have Practice Educators / Vocational Leads who oversee your learning experience in practice, and arrange placements. The University also conducts 12 weekly Tripartite Reviews with you and your Practice Educator / Vocational Lead, and RN / NA Practice Assessor. This it to ensure that you are supported and meeting the requirements of the programme and making the expected progress. These reviews are arranged for the following weeks in the programme and you will be notified about them, in advance:
- Weeks 5 – 7
- Weeks 14 – 16
- Weeks 24 – 26
- Weeks 33 – 36