| Learning Objective #1: Understand the diversity and variety of community nursing roles in the UK | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Appreciate the differing educational needs of community practitioners and how education and practice can collaborate in a partnership that will enhance educational programmes that benefit patient care |
Over the years there have been many changes within the community setting including, the patients cared for,the packages of care delivered and the skill mix delivering that care ( Watson and Wilkinson, 2001). Many UK government policies have driven change within the community setting (Department of Health). these policies have suggested how, health needs within the UK will be identified and, how community nurses will fulfill those needs , furthermore that community nurses will endeavour to deliver care in new more accessible ways . The present Community Health Degree, is the only degree programme recognised by the statutory nursing regulatory body the Nursing and Midwifery Council (formaly UKCC) as valid for community staff who function as team leaders with responsibility for care delivered over a 24 hour period (UKCC 1995).The University of Salford in partnership with Salford Primary Care Trust have designed and are implementing a level III BSc (BSN) programmewhich will be utilised to develop those community practitioners who wish to professionally develop their role within practice. These practitioners will compliment the team leader (lead nurse)enabling him/her to become the innovator of patient care. The practitioner undertaking the new programme will be educted to BSc (BSN) level with ability to analyse care using an evidence based approach consistent with the requirements of the modernisation agenda. The diverse roles emerging within the community setting,excluding district nurses ( home visiting nurse), health visitors (public health nurses), School health advisors (school health), mean that practitioners require education programmes that are inclusive and reflect their clinical needs. The paper suggests that not all communitypractitioners will be required to go down a single route but that thereis room for another degree programme that produces a critical thinker at ground level. It is believed the programme will give practitioners knowledge, skills and flexibility to meet diverse needs.
Back to Continuing Education for Nurses: Considerations and Strategies
Back to 37th Biennial Convention - Clinical Sessions
Sigma Theta Tau International