School of Nursing
Preparation for Practice
Placement Handbook
2015/16
For students of Pre-Registration Nursing programmes
This handbook is the property of UCLan and MUST not be distributed, sold, published, made available to others unless you
have gained written permission to do so from the PL, Placement Learning. This applies to the materials in their entirety and to
any part of the materials.
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Contents page
Topic
Introduction to the Practice Placement Handbook
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
Section 1: Overview of the Placement Learning Support Unit (PLSU)
Where is PLSU?
What are the contact details for PLSU?
What are the opening hours of PLSU?
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
Section 2: Fitness for Practice (CRB & Occupational Health clearance)
I have just received my DBS certificate, where should I take it?
What happens if there is something on my DBS certificate?
Why should I attend occupational health appointments?
What happens if I do not attend (DNA) an occupational health appointment?
What constitutes clearance for occupational health?
I am a widening access student – do I need clearance checks?
Do the clearances last for the whole of my programme?
What happens if my studies have been suspended (intercalation)?
Will these clearances be accepted by all placements?
Infection Control
Statutory & Core Mandatory Training/|Core Skills E Learning /Trust Induction
3
3.1
3.2
Section 3: Practice Placements
Where are the practice placements located?
Crossfield Portfolio
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
3.3.4
3.3.5
Travelling to your practice placements
Using public transport and planning your journey
Use of personal vehicles
Use of personal vehicles for transporting patients
Placement Travel/Accommodation expense claims
Widening Access/Seconded students
3.4
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.4.3
3.4.4
Notification of practice placements
Where do I find which placement I have been allocated?
A new placement has appeared on myUCLan – is this a confirmed placement?
Why is there no placement for me on myUCLan?
I have previously worked as a health care assistant on the placement / I don’t like the
placement allocated to me – can I swop placements with my friend?
When do I contact my placement?
Where can I find contact information for the placement?
3.4.5
3.4.6
3.5
3.5.1
3.5.2
3.5.3
3.5.4
3.5.5
3.5.6
3.5.7
3.6
3.6.1
3.6.2
3.6.3
Page
4
5
6
7
8
10
11
12
13
14
15
Uniform/Dress Code
Communication and Dress Code
What do I wear on placement or in clinical skills labs?
How many uniforms will I be issued?
How often should I change my uniform?
How should I launder my uniform?
What do I do if my uniform becomes too small, in a state of disrepair or I become
pregnant?
What happens to my uniform at the end of my course?
16
17
Practice Hours
Why is there a difference between the NMC and programme requirements for practice
hours?
What are the normal shift hours /patterns on placement?
Can I do 12 hour shifts /Do I Have to do 12 hour shifts?
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Section
3
3.6.4
3.6.5
3.6.6
3.6.7
3.6.8
3.6.9
3.6.10
3.7
3.7.1
3.7.2
3.7.3
3.7.4
3.7.5
3.7.6
3.7.7
3.7.8
Contents page
Topic
Section 3: Practice Placements Continued
Page
Can I work Bank Shifts in the same clinical area that I am placed as a student nurse?
Will the placement work my off duty around my part-time job?
Will I be expected to do Night Duty?
Am I entitled to Bank Holidays?
Can I arrange Annual Leave weeks myself?
Why do I have a timesheet in my PAD and where do I submit it?
What is Supernumerary status?
Can I do Lone working as a student?
3.7.9
3.7.10
Sickness/Absence
What if I am sick or not able to attend placement?
What if I am sick for more than 3 days?
What is Unauthorised Absence?
What is Authorised Absence?
What if I want to attend a Personal Appointment?
What is make up time and who arranges this?
Are there a maximum number of hours a week I can work in practice?
I have just found out I am pregnant and already on/or due to start placement, what
should I do?
My partner has just had a baby am I entitled to paternity leave?
I have been called for Jury Service, can I refuse to attend?
3.8
Confidentiality
3.9
3.9.1
3.9.2
3.9.3
3.9.4
3.9.5
Professional Behaviour
Social Networking Sites
Professional Relationships
Use of mobile phones in practice settings
Smoking while wearing uniform/ on duty
Chewing gum
3.10
Raising or Escalating concerns/Safeguarding (Whistleblowing)
3.11
Serious Untoward Incidents involving Students on practice placements
3.12
Student Disability and Placements
3.13
3.13.1
3.13.2
3.13.3
3.13.4
3.13.5
3.13.6
Support in Practice
What is the role of a Mentor or Associate Mentor?
I have not been allocated a mentor, what do I do?
What is a Sign Off Mentor?
What does the Associate Lecturer Practice Learning Support help with?
What is the difference between a Link Lecturer and my Home Group Facilitator
(Personal Tutor)?
What is the role of the Practice Education Facilitator?
3.14
Third Party Disclosure of Your Personal Information
3.15
Student Evaluation of Placement Experience
4
And Finally........
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19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
3
Introduction to the Practice Placement Handbook
Dear student,
The main aim of this handbook is to provide useful information and answers to
frequently asked questions that students have raised in relation to practice learning
and placements. It was specifically written in response to feedback from your
student representatives.
Remember that your programme has been specifically designed to meet professional
body requirements of 50% theory and 50% practice. Practice is undertaken in carefully
selected and quality assured placements that support you to achieve the course
requirements, learning outcomes and assessment processes. Every placement we
use has been identified as providing appropriate learning opportunities that enable you
to complete your Direct Observation of Nursing Activities (DONAs) and your Practice
Assessment Documentation (PADs).
Practice placements are an integral part of your learning experience that enables you
to apply theory to practice, and develop core clinical competencies and transferable
skills with support from qualified mentors in a variety of practice settings across the
North West of England.
We encourage you to make the most of all the learning opportunities available, to
embrace repeated learning experiences and enjoy the new challenges that practice
placements will offer you.
Course Teams, PLSU & Practice Placement Providers
....................................................................
Preparation for Placement Handbook Version 6, November 2014
Overview of Amendments in this version
All sections have been updated to reflect the change in College/School re-structure.
All embedded documents have been updated.
All web links have been updated.
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Section 1: Overview of the Placement Learning Support Unit (PLSU)
PLSU is responsible for organising practice placements, co-ordinating sickness and absence,
ensuring students have completed core skills mandatory training and are cleared fit for
placement through DBS and occupational health screening.
It is the first point of contact for all placement related enquiries.
1.1
Where is PLSU located?
PLSU is located in Brook Hub on the second floor of Brook Building in room BB204
1.2
What are the contact details for PLSU?
PLSU office
 01772 891992/891993
PLSU ansaphone
 01772 892732 (reporting sickness/absence and fitness to return)
PLSU @
punit@uclan.ac.uk for all general enquiries
PLSU 
Placement Learning Support Unit
Brook Hub
Brook Building BB204
UCLan
Preston
PR1 2HE
PLSU web site:
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/about_us/facilities/placement_learning_support_unit.php
1.3
What are the opening hours of PLSU?
Monday to Thursday: 0845 -1715 hours
Friday: 0845 -1600 hours
Please note it may not always be possible to resolve your queries immediately as we may
need to consult with practice partners or academics.
Section 2: Fitness for practice
DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service, formerly CRB)
Occupational Health clearance
All students going into placements must have enhanced DBS and Occupational Health
clearance.
2.1
I have just received my DBS certificate, where should I take it?
Please take it to PLSU for checking – you will also need to bring your student ID for
identification purposes.
Please keep hold of your DBS certificate as some placements may ask to see it before you
start.
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2.2
What happens if there is a caution/conviction etc. on my DBS certificate?
PLSU will take a copy of your certificate which will be forwarded to the School DBS panel
which consists of independent practice staff and academics who will review the
cautions/convictions and make a decision about whether or not you are able to continue on
your programme of study.
2.3
Why should I attend Occupational Health appointments?
It is important that you attend all appointments with Occupational Health services to ensure
that all blood screening and vaccinations can be completed before you are due out on
placement. This ensures that you are protected from infections that patients may be carrying
and conversely that patients are protected from infections you may be carrying.
2.4
What happens if I do not attend (DNA) an Occupational health
appointment?
Occupational Health clearance is an admission requirement for the programme, we may
therefore suspend your studies (intercalation) or you could be asked to leave the course.
If you DNA’d an appointment without contacting Occupational Health in advance to
rearrange the appointment, you will be charged £40.00p for each appointment missed.
If you fail to pay this charge, you may become a debtor to UCLan and this could result
in LIS services being suspended.
2.5
What is the process for Occupational Health clearance?

You will receive an email giving you log in details to ‘Wellbeing Partners’ web site and
access to the online health assessment form.

You should complete the online health assessment form as soon as possible, upload
relevant scanned documentation, such as immunisations and vaccination dates and
give as much detail as possible for the nurse to assess what the next steps are.

Depending upon the information you have supplied you may be called for an
appointment with an Occupational Health nurse at either - Royal Preston Hospital,
Wigan Investment Centre or Musgrave House – Royal Bolton Hospital.

You should have had the first Hepatitis B vaccination
and
if you are not immune to MMR, you will need to have had both MMR vaccinations at
least 4 weeks apart.

If you have existing underlying medical conditions or your form is unclear/has missing
information, then you may need to see the Occupational Health Consultant.

Once all screening has been completed the Occupational health service confirms
clearance to PLSU.
Occasionally some students will receive personal clearance notification before PLSU is
notified however this does not mean that you can go into practice placements – you should
bring your documentation into PLSU so that this can be verified with the relevant occupational
health service.
Note that if you have never been vaccinated for Tuberculosis you would normally receive TB
vaccine prior to going on placement but there is currently a national shortage of the vaccine.
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There is currently a low risk of contracting Tuberculosis in the United Kingdom, however, you
should follow the guidance given by Occupational Health if you come into contact with
Tuberculosis or develop any symptoms of the infection.
2.6
I am a widening access/seconded student - do I need these clearance
checks?
You should have already been DBS and occupational health screened by your employing NHS
Trust/Organisation who will confirm your clearances to us.
2.7
Do the clearances last for the whole of my programme?
Yes, although in accordance with principles of The Code (NMC 2015) you must declare any
changes to good health, good character and fitness to practise status annually during the
enrolment process or at any stage during your course when changes in status occur.
Please be aware that if you fail to disclose any changes to your good health, good character
or fitness to practise and subsequently the university or placement provider become aware of
this you may be withdrawn from placement and or your programme immediately without
prejudice, pending an investigation.
2.8
What happens if my studies have been suspended (intercalation)?
DBS and Occupational Health clearances have limited life spans, therefore depending upon
the length of the time away from the course you may need to have these checks repeated.
2.9
Will these clearances be accepted by all placements?
Some placements that you may choose for your alternate choice placement may require
repeat DBS screening – you may have to directly fund the cost of these. Placements within
Prison Services require enhanced security clearance which will be funded by the university.
2.10
Infection Control
It is important that you adhere to NHS Trust policies in relation to infection control, particularly
in relation to diarrhoea and vomiting – these illnesses have the potential to spread very
quickly amongst ill/compromised patients and can result in fatalities – Check with your NHS
Trust Infection Control and follow their advice – if this is to stay away from the placement please notify your placement and PLSU then stay at home until symptoms of these
infections have ceased for at least 48 hours.
2.11
Statutory & Mandatory Training /Core Skills E Learning /Trust Induction
Prior to commencing placement you will be expected to undertake compulsory Statutory &
Mandatory training sessions in the clinical skills labs (Moving & Handling, Basic Life Support
(Adult/Child) and Infection Control) with annual practical updates each year.
You will also have to complete and pass mandatory Core Skills e learning packages before
you go on to your first placement experience. Some of the Core Skills e learning packages
are repeated annually – examples of which e learning packages you will need to complete are
listed in the tables below:
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First and Third year students will complete the full suite of 13 e learn Core Skills units
Fire Safety
L1
Resuscitation
Adult L2
Resuscitation
Paed L2
Moving &
Handling
L1
Health & Safety
L1
Conflict
Resolution
L1
Safeguarding Children
L1 & L2
Equality & Diversity
L1
Safeguarding Adult L1
Infection Prevention
& Control
L1 & L2
Information Governance
L1
Second years will complete the refresher suite of 4 e learn Core Skills unit
Resuscitation Adult
L2
Resuscitation
Paediatric L2
Infection Prevention &
Control
L2
Information Governance
L1
Prior to your first placement experience or when you change NHS Trusts you may also be
required to attend a compulsory corporate induction session at the NHS Trust. These
sessions may be delivered at either UCLan or on NHS Trust premises.
Attendance at both Statutory & Mandatory Training, Completion of Core Skills E Learning
packages and NHS Trust Corporate Induction is compulsory – failure to attend may result in
you not being able to go on placement.
Section 3: Practice Placements
PLSU works in partnership with practice placement providers across the North West of
England. Every placement allocated has been quality audited to ensure they meet the learning
outcomes of your programme and all offer valuable learning opportunities that meet the
requirements of the NMC and European Union Directives.
You will gain experience in placements that reflect the ever-changing needs of the health care
service, so that you become an adaptable and flexible nurse – prepared for purpose and
practice in new ways and for new roles. You will therefore be allocated a range of placements
in NHS Acute settings (Hospitals), NHS Community settings (Health Centres, Community
Hospitals, Community Teams, Walk-in Centres), NHS Primary Care (General Practice,
Practice Nurse) and in Private, Voluntary or Independent Organisations (Hospitals, Hospices,
Nurseries, Learning Disability services, Nursing Homes).
3.1
Where are the practice placements located?
Your practice placements are grouped together within Health Economies or geographical
regions. You will be allocated to a Health Economy based on your Home/Term Time postcode
within UCLan’s placement circuit which is predominantly in Lancashire – please note that it
may not be possible to place you in the nearest one to where you live due to the numbers of
students and available placement capacity.
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The grouping of placements varies according to which field of nursing you are specialising in,
i.e.; adult, children’s or mental health. See the tables below to see which NHS Trusts you may
be placed in and which hospitals are located within the Health Economies.
You will normally have placements across all hospitals located within a Health Economy and
across the related community areas – so consider carefully your travel arrangements,
including finance and child care support.
For further information about specific NHS Trusts you can always explore their web sites via
the NHS Choices Gateway:
http://www.nhs.uk/ServiceDirectories/Pages/AcuteTrustListing.aspx
Adult Field
Health Economy
NHS Trusts
Associated Hospitals
Ashton,
Wrightington,
Wigan & Leigh
Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS
Foundation Trust
Bridgewater Community Healthcare
NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Wigan
Leigh Infirmary
Wrightington Hospital
Blackburn, Darwen,
Accrington,
Ribble Valley,
Pendle, Burnley &
Rossendale (East
Lancs)
Blackpool, Fylde &
Wyre (North Lancs)
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS
Trust
Lancashire Care NHS Foundation
Trust – Adult Community, Children
and Families
Burnley General Hospital
Royal Blackburn Hospital
Pendle Community Hospital
Accrington Victoria Hospital
Clitheroe Community Hospital
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust
Preston, Chorley &
South Ribble
(Central Lancs)
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust
Lancashire Care NHS Foundation
Trust – Adult Community, Children
and Families
Blackpool Victoria Hospital
Clifton Hospital
Fleetwood Hospital
Bispham Hospital Rehab Unit
Spire Hospital
Royal Preston Hospital
Chorley & South Ribble Hospital
Longridge Community Hospital
Fulwood Hall Hospital
Euxton Hall Hospital
Southport &
Ormskirk
(West Lancs)
Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS
Trust
Lancashire Care NHS Foundation
Trust – Adult Community, Children
and Families
Ormskirk District General Hospital
Southport & Formby District General
Hospital
Child Field
Health Economy
NHS Trusts
Associated Hospitals
Blackburn,
Accrington, Ribble
Valley, Burnley &
Rossendale (East
Lancs)
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS
Trust
Lancashire Care NHS Foundation
Trust – Children and Families
Burnley General Hospital
Royal Blackburn Hospital
Blackpool, Fylde &
Wyre (North Lancs)
AND
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust
Lancashire Care NHS Foundation
Trust – Children and Families
Blackpool Victoria Hospital
Royal Preston Hospital
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Preston, Chorley &
South Ribble (Central
Lancs)
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust
Ashton, Wigan,
Wrightington & Leigh
AND
Southport & Ormskirk
Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS
Trust
Lancashire Care NHS Foundation
Trust – Children and Families
Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS
Foundation Trust
Bridgewater Community Healthcare
NHS Foundation Trust
Ormskirk District General Hospital
Royal Albert Edward InfirmaryWigan
Mental Health Field
Health Economy
NHS Trusts
Associated Hospitals
North/Central/West &
East Lancs
Lancashire Care NHS Foundation
Trust
Burnley General Hospital
Royal Blackburn Hospital
The Harbour, Blackpool
The Priory Hospital, Bartle, Preston
Kemple View, Langho, Blackburn
Guild Lodge, Preston
Ashton, Wigan,
Wrightington & Leigh
5 Boroughs Partnership NHS
Foundation Trust
Leigh Infirmary
Even though you may live close to one of the hospitals – you will be allocated placements
at any of the hospitals in the Health Economy to ensure you are exposed to a range of
clients and specialisms. Many specialisms’ used to be available in all hospitals but
rationalisation of services has resulted in these being located in only one hospital across a
Health Economy or the Region.
You will also be allocated to placements in community settings linked to the health economy
across a large geographical footprint.
Please note that occasionally students may be required to go to a practice placement
within a different Health Economy to enable learning outcomes to be met or when there
is a lack of capacity.
3.2
Cross Field Portfolio
All Pre Registration Nursing students will complete the Cross Field portfolio drawing upon
clinical experience obtained during a range of field specific clinical placements – your
programme includes 2.5 hours per clinical practice week (on top of the 37.5 hours) reflection
time to enable you to complete this.
3.3
Travelling to your practice placements
Due to the geographic spread of our practice placement providers, it is inevitable that some
students will need to travel longer distances to reach their placement than others. Unless a
student can provide evidence of exceptional circumstances, our expectation is that ALL
students will make every effort to attend the practice placement they have been allocated.
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Students may have to travel for up to 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach their practice placement;
this is in accordance with Health Education North West Placement Development Network
guidelines.
We recognise that some students choose to study at UCLan irrespective of where they live
and the additional travelling time that this incurs.
Please note that UCLan can only place students within the health economies listed in
section 3.1 as adjacent health economies/placements are utilised by other HEIs. This
may mean that some students may experience travelling times in excess of the 1 hour
and 30 minutes.
3.3.1 Using Public Transport and planning your journey
Students may have to use various modes of transport (i.e.; a combination of walking, buses
and/or trains) to get to their practice placement. There are various travel planners that can
assist with this but note that ViaMichelin is the only route planner accepted by finance
for calculating mileage claims.
Via Michelin
http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/web/Routes
Other websites which will help you plan your journey via car or public transport:
http://www.traveline.info/
http://www.travelinenorthwest.co.uk/cms/content/welcome.xhtml;jsessionid=F993E885B28DC37539276
F7E90931566.nw1
http://www.rac.co.uk/route-planner/
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=+&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-GB:IESearchBox&ie=&oe=&gfe_rd=cr&ei=H9tSVqC9HYfj8we3lYzwAQ&gws_rd=ssl#q=ma
ps+route+planner
3.3.2 Use of personal vehicles
Students may use their own car to travel to and from their practice placement and must ensure
that their vehicle is insured.
Some students may be expected to use their cars for community placements; mainly during
Internship/Final placement - in this instance you should ensure that your insurance cover
includes Business Use. Please check with your insurance company if you are unsure which
cover you have. (Note: There may be an extra charge for this which you are liable for).
3.3.3 Use of personal vehicles for transporting patients
Students must not use their own car to transport patients.
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3.3.4 Placement Travel/Accommodation Expense claims
Travel Costs
Students in receipt of NHS Bursaries may be eligible to claim travel costs, providing the cost
of travelling to and from placement is IN EXCESS of your normal daily travel costs between
your term-time address and place of study.
Car Parking Costs
If you are eligible to claim mileage you may also claim the cost of Car Parking at your practice
placement site. Some NHS Trusts prefer students not to park in Visitor car parking spaces
and may have a reduction in fees for car parking for the duration of your placement – your
Practice Education Facilitator should be able to advise you.
Temporary Accommodation Costs
Students in receipt of NHS Bursaries who find it difficult to travel to placements may be able
to stay in temporary accommodation and claim costs towards this, provided this has been
agreed in advance with your Course Leader/Head of PLSU.
For further information please see the NHS Bursary step by step guide for students:
Completing your Practice Placement Expenses This guide gives clear instructions regarding
what you can claim, what receipts must be produced and how to complete the NHS Bursary
expense form.
All NHS Bursary Practice Placement Expenses claim forms must be handed into Brook Hub
(Brook BB204) for initial processing. The claim form will be checked for accuracy /
discrepancies before being signed by Head of PLSU and forwarding to the NHS Student
Bursaries Unit for processing.
Note: You must use the cheapest form of transport available for your journeys – you must
keep all receipts (i.e. bus or train tickets) and attach these to your claim form. You must use
the ViaMichelin route planner and can only claim mileage for the shortest route, even if you
choose to use a different route.
3.3.5 Widening Access/Seconded students
If you are a widening access/seconded student you will need to follow the policy and
procedures of your NHS Trust in relation to travelling to and from placement, and using your
own vehicle during placement (community based placements).
3.4
Notification of practice placements
Placements are arranged by PLSU in collaboration with our practice placement providers.
Students are normally notified a minimum of 6 weeks before they are due to commence
placement. Please note that notification may be delayed, or practice placements cancelled, at
very short notice for many reasons, i.e. changes in service/care provision or other factors,
which are beyond the control of PLSU.
3.4.1 Where do I find which placement I have been allocated?
Students can find which placements they have been allocated via the Student Portal
https://portal.uclan.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_22_1 Click on
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HOME tab at the top, wait for ‘the icon buttons’ to load, then click on MyUCLan study record
icon.
Please note that if you have outstanding fines with the library or financial services then
you may not be able to access myUCLan and will be unable to see which placement
you have been allocated. It is your responsibility to ensure fines are paid promptly.
3.4.2 A new placement has appeared on myUCLan – is this confirmed?
For some of you the placement will not change, however, due to the reasons outlined in 3.4
– some placements may change before you actually commence. Therefore you need to
keep checking myUCLan on a regular basis.
If your placement changes within 2 weeks of your placement commencing PLSU will
notify you by UCLan email address or the telephone number in your student record –
remember to keep your personal details up to date on myUCLan or PLSU may not be
able to get in touch with you.
3.4.3 Why is there is no placement for me on myUCLan or it says TBC (to be
confirmed)?





we could be waiting for a placement to confirm that there is place available for you
you have not been DBS or Occupational Health cleared or have not completed the
Core Skills E Learn packages
the placement we allocated to you is not available anymore
we have not been able to source a suitable placement within a reasonable travelling
distance
you may have returned from intercalation but PLSU have not received formal
notification that you have re started yet
3.4.4 I have previously worked as a health care assistant on the placement /
I don’t like the placement allocated to me - can I swop placements with
my friend?
Students may only request to change a placement if:
 a family member /friend of the student is currently a patient/client in that placement
 the student has received treatment or is currently in receipt of treatment in that
placement
 the student had a family member /close friend who was nursed and died in that
placement
 the student has a relative who is a member of staff in that area
NB. Evidence may be required to support these claims – you will need to submit a Request
to change placement due to exceptional circumstances form to PLSU, see web page:
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/schools/school_of_health/plsu/students.php
Although your request will be considered, there is no guarantee that an alternative placement
will be available.
3.4.5
When do I contact my placement?
You are asked to make contact with their placement area no earlier than 2 weeks* before the
placement is due to commence (unless otherwise advised), so that you may introduce
yourself, find out the name of your mentor and off-duty. You can also ask any questions which
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will help to prepare for your placement experience, for example, if uniform is not required what
type of clothing is acceptable or is there any preparatory reading that would be helpful?
*Please do not contact the placement area earlier than 2 weeks before starting as the
placement staff may not have been informed that you are coming – the information
management system PLSU use to allocate placements allows you to see the live data
as soon as the auto allocation feature is activated. However, PLSU need to collaborate
with placement providers to ensure that the capacity is still available – this could take
a couple of weeks. PLSU then provides allocation lists to PEFs/placements via
electronic or postal services which could take another couple of weeks.
3.4.6 Where can I find contact information for the placement?
You can find this information on the PLSU website in the Virtual Placement Circuit at:
http://www2.uclan.ac.uk/plsu/index.php
3.5
Uniform /Dress Code
3. 5.1 Communication & Dress Code
Students in a professional setting must dress in a manner that adds to, and does not detract
from, effective communication. The appearance of a professional practitioner is important and
should be considered carefully; in general, male and female students should be clean and
smartly dressed. Please note the following guidance to ensure effective, sensitive
communication and adherence to Health and Safety Guidance:




Covering of the face is not permitted (this is true not only in clinical settings but also
throughout the educational elements of all education programmes, which is built
around group work with other students and tutors).
Some practice skills sessions may be physically demanding. It is essential that
students attend skills sessions wearing loose, comfortable clothing
Usually students will be required to attend skills sessions wearing uniform. If this is the
case, the uniform should be freshly laundered and worn correctly in accordance with
Dress Code Policies.
Footwear and clothing should be appropriate. If you attend practice skills sessions
wearing inappropriate footwear, you will be asked to leave. Appropriate footwear is
well fitting, with low, closed heel and closed toe.
You must be able to participate fully in communication and other skills training, discussion and
assessment. As well as adhering to the dress code, students must be able to interact fully with
patients, teachers and examiners of any culture, ethnic background or either gender.
3.5.2
What do I wear on placement or in clinical skills labs?
You will be expected to wear the regulation uniform provided by UCLan unless advised
otherwise by the placement area or clinical skills lab team.
Whether or not a uniform is worn, you will be expected to portray a professional image at all
times which should promote confidence in your nursing skills to patients/clients, visitors and
other staff whom you come into contact with.
It is essential that you do not cause unnecessary discomfort or harm to patients/clients and
/or yourself as a result of your grooming and attire.
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You will be expected to comply with the principles of the following dress code, however,
please note that the uniform policy of the placement provider overrides these
principles.
Hair
Must be clean, a reasonable natural colour, well groomed, neat, must be worn
off the collar to reduce the incidence of cross infection as hair is known to be a
potential carrier of staph aureus. Hair should be tied back away from the face
where it restricts vision or presents a danger.
Nails
Must be filed short and kept clean, no artificial nails or attachments should be
worn, nail varnish is not allowed as this can harbour or cause infection
Skin
Tattoos, where they are extensive or deemed offensive must be covered at all
times. In clinical areas advice must be sought from infection prevention
regarding suitable covering and ‘bare below the elbow’ policy.
Face
The face must be uncovered, no piercings, tattoos or face paint should be worn.
Make up must be discreet/natural.
Hygiene
To avoid potential risk of contamination to patients from resident bacteria on
the skin, you should wash, bathe or shower daily.
Heavy perfume/aftershave/deodorants can cause discomfort / nausea /
asthmatic attacks in some patients/ clients and others, so choose your brands
carefully.
Cigarette smoke odours can also be offensive to others.
Jewellery
The only jewellery permitted is a plain wedding ring and small stud earrings
(only one earring in each ear). No other jewellery including wristwatches may
be worn. Fob watches are permitted. This is to protect yourself and the patient
/ client from injury during care activities.
Head
covering’s
Must be plain black or navy, close fitting to the head with no
decorations.
Shoes
Must be black, not fabric or suede, with a rubber sole and low heel. Strappy
sandals must not be worn. Shoes must give your feet adequate support and
should be lace up or slip on type.
Cardigans
Must be navy blue in colour. They should not be worn when carrying out care
procedures.
Coats
A full length coat is required to cover up your uniform for community placements
/visits or whilst travelling to/from placements or to/from the clinical skills labs.
Males
Tunic as provided plus grey trousers and black socks, coloured /patterned
socks must not be worn.
Females
Tunic and trousers provided, plus black/neutral
coloured/patterned socks must not be worn.
Name / ID
Badges
Must be worn at all times, patients / clients have a right to know who is caring
for them, no other badges should be worn to minimise risk when moving /
handling.
Clothing
Care must be taken to avoid dressing in such a way that could be seen as
politically, culturally, ethnically or sexually provocative or inappropriate.
November 2015_V6
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or
socks,
15
The wearing of uniforms in public is not normally allowed. However, the uniform can
be worn whilst travelling to and from work on the condition that it is fully covered by a
full-length coat. This includes travelling on public transport and also when students are
participating in community visits in uniform or travelling to UCLan for clinical skills
sessions.
Please note that you should only wear your UCLan student nurse uniform on placements
organised by PLSU or on elective/alternate/internship placements that have been agreed –
you should not wear your student nurse uniform whilst working on bank shifts.
In placement settings where uniforms are not worn students should dress informally, but
smartly. Normally jeans, leggings, shorts, trainers and pumps should not be worn whilst on
placement.
If you are considered inappropriately dressed you may be sent off-duty and be reported absent
until you return to duty appropriately dressed. Any such absences will need to be made up. If
inappropriate dress is a persistent problem, the Course Leader will be informed, and you may
be referred to a Fitness for Practise panel.
3.5.3 How many uniforms will I be issued?
Female students:
Male students:
3.5.4
3 Tunics and 2 Trousers
3 Tunics
How often should I change my uniform?
Uniforms become increasingly contaminated with bacteria, including antibiotic resistant strains
throughout the span of duty. Levels of contamination will increase with extended use; therefore
uniforms worn more than once will become an increased risk for cross infection.
It is expected that you should change your uniform on a daily basis whilst on placement. If,
however, your uniform becomes contaminated with blood or body fluids whilst on duty, it
should be changed immediately.
3.5.5 How should I launder my uniform?
To prevent the risk of cross contamination the following measures should be adopted as
good practice to minimise the risk:






Uniforms should be washed in a domestic washing machine without other items of
clothing at a minimum of 50° centigrade if the material does not allow for washing at
higher temperatures, but at 60-65° centigrade if uniform materials allows in a domestic
washing machine.
Uniforms should preferably be tumbled dried.
Dried uniforms should be ironed with a hot iron.
Uniforms should be stored folded flat in a fresh unused plastic bag and sealed.
Wash hands before changing into the uniform for duty to minimise contamination.
WCs and bathrooms will increase the risk of uniforms becoming contaminated;
therefore these areas should not be used as changing rooms.
3.5.6 What do I do if my uniform becomes too small, is in a state of disrepair or
I become pregnant?
If you become pregnant then you should approach Brook Hub admin office (BB204) who will
arrange for you to have replacement uniforms.
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If you gain weight or your uniform is in a state of disrepair, then you will be expected to
purchase replacement uniforms directly from the Uniform suppliers – please contact Brook
Hub admin office (BB204) for an order form.
3.5.7 What happens to my uniform at the end of my course?
On completion of your course you will be expected to cut out the UCLan logo and return it to
the Brook Hub admin office (BB204) along with your UCLan ID badge. It is your responsibility
to destroy the rest of your uniform.
3.6
Practice Hours
3.6.1 Why is there a difference between the NMC and my programme
requirements for practice hours?
To meet the NMC requirements you must complete 2300 hours in practice over 3 years (full
time programme), however, your programme includes more designated practice/theory hours
to allow for unexpected circumstances such as sickness/authorised absences.
3.6.2 What are the normal shift hours / patterns on placement?
Practice placement experience will cover 7 days per week, 24 hours per day. Students are
expected to mirror their mentor’s shift patterns, which should provide a variety of learning
opportunities and extensive experience of health care across the care spectrum. The shift
patterns should be negotiated between the student and mentor. Reasonable off-duty requests
should be negotiated between the student and mentor.
A normal working week is 37.5 hours (full time programme). Students will be expected to
experience all shifts (24:7) of the duty rota, including early, late, night and weekend shifts.
Shift patterns vary across placements but could start from 0730 hours or finish as late as
2300 hours.
3.6.3 Can I do 12 hour shifts / Do I have to do 12 hour shifts?
We strongly discourage you from doing long day shifts (12 hours) whilst on placement as
this can impact on your ability to learn effectively in practice.
However, in a minority of placements long shifts may be the norm and you may be expected
to work the same rota as the placement team. If this is difficult for you, then you should be
able to negotiate shift patterns with your mentor.
You should try to work the same shift pattern as your mentor to ensure continuity of support.
3.6.4 Can I work Bank Shifts in the same clinical area that I am placed as a
student nurse?
The simple answer is no – some NHS Trusts do not allow this at all – it is very confusing for
staff working out which ‘hat’ you have on that particular shift.
3.6.5 Will the placement arrange my shifts around my part-time job?
No – you have committed yourself to a full-time programme of study, therefore your practice
hours take precedence over any part-time job – you will be expected to work the shifts
planned by the placement manager.
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3.6.6 Will I be expected to do Night Duty?
You will be expected to work some night duty shifts to fulfil the NMC requirement of
experiencing 24 hour/7 day health & social care during your practice hours. This is a minimum
of 2 weeks (75 hours) up to 6 weeks and can be undertaken across all 3 years (full time
programme) of your programme.
There are a variety of ways to complete your night duty experience. You may be allocated a
specific night duty placement by PLSU to utilise available placement capacity or, you may
follow your mentor onto night duty rotation during a placement experience.
Formal Twilight shifts (from 9pm) can also count towards your night duty hours. Please
note that normal late shift hours finishing after 9pm cannot be used for this purpose.
Please ensure that you document your night duty clearly in your timesheet (see 3.6.9)
3.6.7 Am I entitled to Bank Holidays?
Yes – your programme has been designed with enough hours to enable you to take the Bank
Holiday but only on the ACTUAL bank holiday – you cannot rearrange this and take it in lieu
at another time.
3.6.8 Can I arrange Annual Leave weeks myself?
Students must not arrange annual leave during theory blocks or placement weeks and must
adhere to the designated times allocated for annual leave within the programme plans.
Note: all unauthorised leave will be included on any REFERENCES requested by
future employers.
3.6.9 Why do I have to complete a Timesheet, where do I get one from and
where do I submit it?
Students have to complete a timesheet during placement and obtain signatures from their
mentor/placement manager DAILY to clarify that they have undertaken the necessary
practice hours. This was introduced to improve record keeping in relation to practice hours.
You should submit your timesheet/s to PLSU as soon as you have completed your
placement.
Double click on icon below to open a timesheet for printing off or you can get one from
PLSU.
Timesheet Version 1
Dec 2012.doc
Note – when calculating hours worked – you must exclude meal breaks:
Examples:
Shift hours
0830-1700 (8.5 hours) - 1 hour lunch = 7.5 hours
0800-2000 (12 hours) - 1 hour lunch =11 hours
November 2015_V6
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3.6.10 What is Supernumerary Status?
Supernumerary status means that students are extra to the established team numbers in the
practice area to facilitate learning. This does not mean however, that students are purely
observers. Your daily learning needs and activities should be negotiated and agreed with
your mentor/supervisor. You must participate in a range of clinical activities, which includes
basic nursing care, under direct or indirect supervision of your mentor/supervisor in order to
develop your skills/competencies and achieve your learning outcomes.
3.6.11 Can I do ‘Lone Working’ as a student?
During the third year only, students may be encouraged to visit clients by themselves as part
of their transition to Professional Practitioner – students should familiarise themselves with the
Lone Working policy/guidelines of the NHS Trust they are working in to ensure that any risks
are assessed and minimised. Students using their own vehicles will need to ensure that their
insurance provides cover for business use.
3.6.12 Should I be used as an Interpreter for service user/carers if I can speak
their language?
No – this is not recommended – placement providers have access to official interpreters who
are trained to interpret health terminology and health conditions – this may be via telephone
or direct contact.
3.7 Sickness / Absence
Sickness and absence is reported by students, academics and placement provider staff and
managed by PLSU following the process outlined here:
S&A Process Nov
15.vsdx
3.7.1
(double click on icon to open)
What if I am sick or not able to attend placement?
If you are sick/absent you must contact the placement (before the shift commences) on the
first day and contact PLSU. The preferred method for reporting sickness/absence to PLSU is
completion of the electronic form:
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/schools/school_of_health/plsu/absence_reporting.php
If you do not have access to a computer, leave a message on the 24 hour ansaphone with
the following information:
Your full Name
UCLan ID No: i.e. G12345678
Intake: i.e. May 10
Field i.e. Adult / Mental Health / Children’s
Reason for Sickness/Absence
3.7.2 What if I am sick for more than 3 days?
For illness that lasts 4 -7 days you will need to complete a Self Certificate from your Health
Centre or PLSU website and hand it in to PLSU as soon as possible:
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/schools/school_of_health/plsu/files/foh_self_certificati
on.pdf
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For illness that lasts 8 days or more you will need to get a Medical/Fit to Work Certificate
from your GP/Doctor and hand it in to PLSU/Brook Hub (BB204) as soon as possible.
Remember to let PLSU know when you are fit to return to theory/practice so that your
record is accurate. Complete the e form:
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/schools/school_of_health/plsu/absence_return_reporti
ng.php Note: If you fail to inform PLSU of your return date the sickness/absence hours
will keep accruing.
3.7.3 What is Unauthorised Absence?
This is failure to attend a theory session or report for duty when on placement that has not
previously been negotiated/authorised, and is not sick leave. This demonstrates
unprofessional behaviour that reflects negatively on you in terms of professional
accountability, ability to communicate, show respect for others and meet the professional
proficiency requirements. It could result in failure to pass the placement and/or referral to a
fitness to practise panel and/or failure to pass the programme requirements. Note: all
unauthorised leave will be included on any REFERENCES requested by future
employers.
3.7.4 What is Authorised Absence?
This is absence which has been authorised with a written signature by your Course
Leader/Home Group facilitator (Academic Advisor), examples include compassionate leave
for a bereavement or carers leave. Form for authorised absence can be obtained here:
Authorised Absence
Form.doc
(double click icon to open)
3.7.5 What if I want to attend a Personal Appointment?
You will be expected to arrange personal appointments during your off duty hours. Any time
missed will be added to the overall make up time.
3.7.6 What is make up time and who arranges this?
If you have not completed sufficient hours to meet the NMC / programme requirements (i.e. if
hours have been lost through sickness or absence) you are required to make up the time


at the end of each year to meet the requirements for progression
at the end of the programme to meet the NMC hours requirement
PLSU monitor your sickness/absence hours and will alert you when time should be made up
– if you have outstanding practice hours these will be made up in practice placements
coordinated by PLSU- if you have outstanding theory hours your course leader will decide the
most appropriate method for you to make the outstanding hours up.
As time is built into your programme for some sickness/absence, please do not arrange to
make up time missed with the placement staff – this may be unnecessary and will not wipe
out the hours missed.
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Please note that ‘make up time’ not sanctioned through PLSU cannot be counted
towards your final hours calculation. Make up time does not cancel out
sickness/absence days – these will remain on your record and will be used to inform
future employment references.
3.7.7 Is there a maximum number of hours per week that I can work in
practice?
Yes – the European Working Time Directive states that you should not work more than 48
hours in a week. You will already be working 37.5 hours on placement. This means that you
should only be working on ‘Bank Shifts’ or in other employment for a maximum of 10.5 hours
per week. If you are required to ‘make up’ hours in order to fulfil the NMC hours, then you
should reduce your hours in paid employment accordingly.
3.7.8 I have just found out I am pregnant and already on/or due to start
placement, what should I do?
You should inform PLSU if you have not commenced placement. If you are already on
placement you should inform the Practice Education Facilitator and your mentor/placement
manager so that a Risk Assessment can be undertaken as per local NHS Trust policy.
The risk assessment is essential to assess any potential risks in relation to your
pregnancy – failure to declare that you are pregnant could put your pregnancy at risk
3.7.9 My partner has just had a baby am I entitled to Paternity Leave?
You are entitled to take up to 2 weeks paternity leave, however this will be added to any
authorised/unauthorised leave you have taken during the programme and if the total exceeds
the requirement to meet the NMC hours, you will be required to make up this time as per 3.7.6
above.
3.7.10 I have been called for Jury Service, can I refuse to attend?
Unfortunately, student nurses are not exempt from Jury Service – you can return your form
back to the courts and ask for a deferment, however before doing this - please speak to your
Course/Cohort Leader who can provide a formal supporting letter explaining the course
requirements to enhance your request for a deferment.
Please note that if a deferment is not granted by the court you will be expected to do the
Jury Service and this may have an impact on your course NMC total hours requirement but
we will work with you to allow for this disruption to your programme.
3.8
Confidentiality
You should respect a person’s right to confidentiality at all times in accordance with The Code
(NMC 2015). You should not disclose information to anyone who is not entitled to it and
particularly outside of the placement area in public places, travelling on buses/trains, in your
own home or on social networking sites.
You should follow the guidelines on confidentiality in the generic School Student Handbook,
your Course/Module handbooks and policy of the placement provider. This includes
anonymising any information in your coursework or assessments that may otherwise directly
or indirectly identify people, staff, relatives, carers or placement providers.
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You should also think carefully about what personal information you disclose to
patients/clients, or carers/relatives about yourself.
3.9
Professional Behaviour
You are an advocate of UCLan and your chosen profession. You should therefore uphold
the reputation of your profession at all times. You should display a personal commitment to
the standards of practice and behaviour set out in The Code (NMC 2015). You should be a
model of integrity and leadership for others to aspire to. This should lead to trust and
confidence in the profession from patients, people receiving care, other healthcare
professionals and the public.
You are required to uphold the principles of your profession in your personal life as well as
during your student life.
Failure to do uphold the principles of your profession may impact on your fitness to practise
and ability to complete your programme.
3.9.1 Social Networking Sites
Used properly, social networking sites such as Facebook are a great way to find old friends,
join interest groups and share information. However, you should remember that anything
posted on a social networking site is in the public domain. The Code (NMC 2015) states:
20.10 use all forms of spoken, written and digital communication (including social
media and networking sites) responsibly, respecting the right to privacy of others
at all times.
You are strongly advised to adhere to the NMC advice re using social networking sites:
http://www.nmc-uk.org/Nurses-and-midwives/Advice-by-topic/A/Advice/Social-networkingsites/
What may be considered to be letting off steam about a situation at work can potentially be
read by someone who may take offence at the content of a posting and could result in a
formal complaint against you and subsequent disciplinary processes being actioned. See
UCLan Regulations for the conduct of students.
https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/life/rules_regs.php
3.9.2 Professional Relationships
You should always maintain clear professional boundaries in the relationships you have with
others. You should therefore never arrange to meet patients/clients, their family members or
carers socially, either during or after the placement. You should not accept any gifts, favours
or hospitality that might be interpreted as an attempt to gain preferential treatment.
3.9.3 Use of personal Mobile Phones in practice settings
Respect the practice environment, practitioners you are working with, and ultimately clients in
your care, by NOT texting, making phone calls or using any of the facilities available on your
phone in the presence of patients/clients or their families.
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Good practice would be to switch off your mobile phone as you arrive in practice settings to
avoid temptation.
You should always adhere to NHS Trust policies with regard to personal mobile phone use.
3.9.4 Smoking while wearing uniform / on duty
Please refrain from smoking or using Electronic cigarettes when wearing uniform or if you are
wearing mufti whilst on duty.
3.9.5 Chewing gum
Please refrain from chewing gum whilst on duty – this does not create a good impression.
3.10
Raising or Escalating concerns about the safety of people in your care
You have a professional duty to report any concerns which put the safety of the people in your
care or the public at risk. Speaking up on behalf of people in your care and clients is an
everyday part of your role, and just as raising genuine concerns represents good practice,
‘doing nothing’ and failing to report concerns is unacceptable. The NMC web site has useful
resources, including Guidance for raising and escalating concerns (2013) to support your
decision making about whether you should raise or escalate concerns:
http://www.nmc-uk.org/Nurses-and-midwives/Raising-and-escalating-concerns/
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has also published useful guidance:
http://www.cqc.org.uk/content/about-us
Health Education North West would encourage you to raise concerns, see:
HENW Concerns
Guidance Postcard (print).pdf
(double click icon to open)
The School has developed a clear process below and an incident report which you should
complete when raising your concerns:
Raising and
R&E or SUI Incident
Escalating Concerns.docx Reporting form 2015.docx
3.11
(double click icons to open)
Serious Untoward Incidents involving students on practice placements
A Serious Untoward Incident refers to an action or omission by a student that significantly calls
into question the student’s competence, health status, or adherence to the NMC Code:
Standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives (2008). The
embedded document outlines the process to be followed by student, academic and practice
staff:
SUI Process
2015.docx
R&E or SUI Incident
Reporting form 2015.docx
double click icons to open)
November 2015_V6
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3.12
Student Disability and Placements
If you have a disability that may affect your learning in practice placements, please contact
either the Disability Advisory Service – disability@uclan.ac.uk – the School Disability Coordinator or let your Home Group Facilitator (Academic Advisor) or Course Leader know as
soon as possible. Your Home Group Facilitator will help you complete an Individualised
Learning Plan (ILP) – with your agreement the ILP will be shared with practice placement
providers (Practice Education Facilitator / your Mentor) to establish if it is possible to make
reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs and provide appropriate support.
Where necessary, you will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments.
For further information re School process see:
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/schools/school_of_health/plsu/disability_placements.p
hp
Further advice is available from Disability Services:
https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/health/disability_services.php
3.13
Support in Practice
There are a variety of support mechanisms available to you when you are on placement. If
you have any concerns whilst on placement you should discuss these with your mentor. If you
are not able to discuss concerns with your mentor, you should speak to the placement
manager or the Practice Education Facilitator. You can also contact the link lecturer if your
concerns relates specifically to the placement or to your Home Group Facilitator (Academic
Advisor) if your concerns are related to your programme or personal. You can find details of
your PEF and the Link Lecturer who supports the placement on the Virtual Placement Circuit
web site: http://www2.uclan.ac.uk/plsu/index.php
3.13.1 What is the role of a Mentor or Associate Mentor?
On each placement you will be allocated to a named mentor, who is a qualified practitioner
that has undertaken further professional development to enable them to facilitate your learning
in practice and who will assess your achievements at intervals throughout your placement.
You should work with your named mentor for a minimum of 40% of your time in practice
(normally at least 2 shifts per week). Your mentor is responsible for ensuring that you have an
induction to the placement area within the first 24-48 hours and should find out what your
specific learning outcomes are within the first week so that suitable learning opportunities can
be arranged.
You may also be allocated an associate mentor who will support your learning in practice
when your mentor is not available. You should also work with other members of the placement
team which could include other professions and will give you a greater understanding of inter
professional working relationships and practices.
Your mentor should provide regular constructive feedback on your achievements. If your
mentor has concerns about your performance they will liaise with your Home Group Facilitator
(Academic Advisor)/ the placement Link Lecturer/ the Practice Education Facilitator or your
Cohort/Course Leader and they will develop an action plan to support you.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your Practice Assessment Documentation (Ongoing
Record of Achievement) is shared with your mentor so that they can document your
November 2015_V6
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achievement and review any action plans with you. During your initial review meeting with your
mentor try to arrange suitable dates for your intermediate and final reviews.
3.13.2 I have not been allocated a mentor, what should I do?
If you have not been allocated a named mentor within the first week of your placement, speak
to the placement manager in the first instance or the Practice Education Facilitator.
3.13.3 What is a Sign Off Mentor?
The Sign Off Mentor (SOM) is an experienced mentor who has undertaken further preparation
to be able to assess whether or not you have achieved all your practice proficiencies/
competencies during your final placement. They will need to see all three of your Practice
Assessment Documents and will use this to inform their decision about whether or not you are
‘fit for practise’ and suitable for entry to the professional register (providing you have also been
successful in your academic studies).
Your Mentor may also be a Sign Off Mentor. If your mentor is not a Sign Off Mentor then you
will be allocated one who will work with you for approximately 1 hour per week in addition to
the minimum 40% of time on placement working with your mentor.
3.13.4 What does the Associate Lecturer Practice Learning Support help with?
The primary role of the Associate Lecturer Practice Learning Support (ALPLS) is to provide
additional support to all first year students in practice settings. They will visit students in
placement, provide ‘drop-in’ surgeries on site, make contact via email or telephone, troubleshoot on your behalf through liaison with key personnel, or by sign-posting to individuals or
services to help resolve issues that may be impacting on your learning.
They will also support students in second or third year if required.
3.13.4 What is the difference between a Link Lecturer and my Home Group
Facilitator (Academic Advisor)?
Every placement has an identified Link Lecturer who is responsible for ensuring that the
placement has been educationally audited as a suitable learning environment for students.
You may meet them when they call in to the placement area to see the placement staff. Link
Lecturers also advise and support the placement staff with any programme queries in relation
to students on placements. They will also support either yourself and/or the placement staff to
resolve problems with your progress, by contributing to the agreement of action plans in
collaboration with the Practice Education Facilitator, which address concerns and monitor
progress towards agreed target dates.
The main focus of the Home Group Facilitator (Academic Advisor) role is to provide academic
advice and pastoral support throughout your programme. This is the person you should
contact as soon as you become aware of any problems which may impact on your ability to
fulfil the programme requirements.
You can find your link lecturer for each placement on the Virtual Placement Circuit at:
http://www2.uclan.ac.uk/plsu/index.php
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3.13.4 What is the role of the Practice Education Facilitator?
Practice Education Facilitators are employed by NHS Trusts and are responsible for the quality
of the learning environment in each placement. They will ensure that the placement is
educationally audited and that there are appropriately qualified mentors/sign off mentors
available to support and assess your learning in practice. They coordinate your NHS Trust
Induction which is mandatory and will advise you of additional learning opportunities that may
be available. They will also support either yourself and/or the placement staff to resolve
problems with your progress in collaboration with the Link Lecturer, by contributing to the
agreement of action plans, which address concerns and monitor progress towards agreed
target dates.
You can find which Practice Education Facilitator is linked to your placement via the Virtual
Placement Circuit at: http://www2.uclan.ac.uk/plsu/index.php
And their contact details via
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/schools/school_of_health/plsu/practice_links.php
3.14
Third Party Disclosure of your Personal Information
As your programme is 50% in practice settings we will share some personal contact
information with placement providers. This information is used to inform allocation of some
placements, particularly in NHS Community Trusts, or to contact you with details of NHS Trust
Induction sessions or additional learning opportunities. Please note that the placement
providers are bound by the Data Protection Act and will only use your information for the
purposes outlined above. Further information regarding data protection is available at:
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/information/services/sds/dpa_foia_management/data_protection.php
3.15
Student Evaluation of Placements
Student evaluation is a really useful tool to monitor the effectiveness of placements in
supporting you to achieve your learning outcomes and also to give constructive feedback to
the placement. You will receive an email alerting you that the online student evaluation form
is ready for your feedback during your placement. It may be referred to as the SPOPE (Student
Perception of Placement Experience) by academics or placement staff.
The online student evaluation form for each placement you are allocated is located in
myUCLan – the forms will remain open for 4 weeks after the end of your placement.
From 2015, we will be piloting a new online evaluation tool called PARE (Practice Assessment
Record Evaluation) and this will be rolled out as new placements are allocated to students.
You will receive an email link from @onlinepare.net with username and password activation.
This evaluation tool will enable you to see feedback and actions taken in response to student
comments.
Please remember to maintain confidentiality by not naming specific members of placement
staff. If you feel that you did not have a good experience on your placement – please be
professional and give constructive advice that will help the placement to improve the
experience for future students.
A key aspect of becoming a professional practitioner is to raise concerns at the time they
occur rather than waiting to complete your evaluation – you have lots of support available to
you in practice to guide you with raising concerns - see 2.11 and 2.14
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Section 4:
And Finally ...........
Remember to always uphold the principles of the The Code (NMC 2015):




Make the care of people your first concern, treating them as individuals and
respecting their dignity.
Work with others to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of those in your
care, their families and carers, and the wider community.
Provide a high standard of practice and care at all times.
Be open and honest, act with integrity and uphold the reputation of your profession.
Embrace the 6 Cs at all times with service users/carers, your peers, mentors and
professional colleagues
:
Remember that the Placement Charter has been adopted by many placements to ensure
that you are provided with a good practice learning experience, see:
HENW Placement
Charter Poster1.pdf
Enjoy your learning in practice and embrace all the learning
opportunities available to you in your placements. Be proactive,
enthusiastic and professional – don’t sit back and hope that learning
will just happen – it’s up to you too!
Course Teams, PLSU & Placement Providers
We hope that you have found this handbook useful – if you have any constructive
feedback or helpful suggestions for future editions - please email
pawood1@uclan.ac.uk
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