Introduction

The programme is for Registered Nurses who must be on the appropriate part of the NMC Register and demonstrate a minimum of 120 credits at Level 2.

Within the programme there are five specialist options:

• Nursing in the Home (District Nursing)
• Public Health Nursing (School Nursing)
• Community Mental Health Nursing
• General Practice Nursing Children’s
• Community Nursing

The programme meets the criteria recommended by the Nursing and Midwifery Courses (NMC) for entry on the NMC Register as a Community Specialist Practice Nurse either Nursing in the Home (DN), Community Mental Health Nurse (CMHN), General Practice Nurse (GPN) or Children's Community Nurse (CCN).

Content and Structure

The 52-week programme runs from September to September for full-time students and half-time over two years for part-time students. There are also other flexible options available.

Full-time students will attend the University for two full days per week, have two days in practice in the community and have one day independent study, most weeks. There are also blocks of practice placement.

Part-time students attend University according to a negotiated pathway. During both years students spend one day in practice in the community. Independent Study entitlement is pro-rata (half day per week).

Practical Experience

Practical experience is integrated with the theoretical components of the programme to facilitate the transfer of theory into practice. Students will also have block placements at specified periods throughout the programme. Specific objectives and competencies are detailed for achievement within the practice placement. This is underpinned by clinical supervision. 

Funding

Students are usually sponsored by an NHS Trust. This provides a salary and tuition fees and access to the placement and facilitated learning by the Practice Teacher. Travel costs are only reimbursed when traveling in the practice placement and are paid by the employing trust

Selection Criteria

Short-listing for interview is undertaken with NHS Trusts and is based on the submission of a 2,000 word essay. Students who are short-listed are jointly interview by the NHS Trust Community Nurse Managers and by members of the Community Teaching Team from the University. Criteria for selection includes an:

• understanding of community nursing
• awareness of the specific discipline
• ability to study at level 3

The interview is in two parts. There is a group exercise and an individual interview that may include a presentation.

 Associate Students

All modules can also be taken as standalone modules by those working in a community placement.

Applications

Due to developments in commissioning nursing services in the community and a review by the South East Coast Strategic Health Authority this programme is subject to change.

Students apply to:

The Programme Administrator
Community Specialist Practice
Department of Health and Social Welfare Studies
Faculty of Health
Canterbury Christ Church University
North Holmes Road
Canterbury
CT1 1QU

Faculty of Health Website