There is no set work to complete prior to starting the course, but once you have fully enrolled you will be able to access Blackboard which you may wish to explore. Blackboard is the virtual learning environment (VLE) we will be using. If you open the Blackboard for the Return to Practice course you will see ‘Module Information’ near the top, and if you click on this folder you will be able to find links to materials which you could peruse before starting the course, such as the Student Handbook and Key Course Dates. If you’re having trouble locating this don’t worry – we will also be able to show you where to find this information once you start. 

In the first week of teaching, that is in week commencing 23 September, we will provide an overview of the course, share key dates, have an IT induction, provide an overview of assessments, have a library induction, and discuss placement preparation, before we begin with nursing related teaching sessions.

Please ensure that you engage with all Occupational Health, DBS or Placement planning activities required by the Admissions Team. Failure to complete this by the time you register on the course may result in you not being able to proceed with your studies.

We are proud to be an inclusive University that supports a diverse community of students. Please note that if you have a disability or would like to learn more about the support that we can offer to students, please visit the Disability and Mental Health website.

Welcome and Induction

Occupational Health Clearance & Uniform

As part of starting your studies here at Canterbury Christ Church University, you will need to attend an occupational health vaccination appointment and a uniform measure & issue appointment. 

Occupational Health Clearance  

Students need to obtain occupational health clearance to ensure they are fit to practice. You will be prompted via your ‘MyRecord’ to complete a clearance check and directed to an online health questionnaire. 

Once you have submitted your questionnaire, you are required to attend an occupational health vaccination appointment appropriate to your placement requirements. We use an external company called OH Works for this. You will receive a communication from CCCU/OH Works to advise you of your occupational health vaccination appointment. Ahead of your appointment, please gather any vaccination documentation (paper or electronic) from your GP or workplace to take to your occupational health appointment. 

For enquiries about your occupational health clearance please email cccustudents@ohworks.co.uk or phone 01227 286288.

Uniform 

You will receive a communication from CCCU to advise you of your uniform measure & issue appointment. Once your sizing requirements have been determined, you will be able to collect your uniform which is expected to last the duration of your course. Your uniform is provided to you free of charge. 

Important information regarding your uniform can be found on the uniform policy.

You will receive an email regarding important tasks that you will need to action prior to your Welcome Week. 

We would encourage you to review the course structure and module options via your course page before you arrive.

There is no specific reading required before the start of the course, but we have gathered some introductory resources, including a few web links which you might find interesting to explore:

•  NMC Future Nurse Standards of proficiency
•  United Kingdom Public Health Association
•  All our Health

Brushing up on anatomy and physiology can also be useful if you are feeling a bit rusty. For further useful reading prior to starting your studies, please see the below recommendations:

• Cottrell, S. (2019) The Study Skills Handbook. 5th edn. London. London. Red Globe Press. 
• Cottrell, S. (2017) Critical thinking skills : effective analysis, argument and reflection. London. Palgrave Macmillan. 

Finally, we would also recommend familiarising yourself with the quality monitoring procedures in your practice area.