The number of places for on-Island nursing degrees has been increased from 13 to 20 for 2015, with interviews and shortlisting underway ahead of the programme commencing in September.
The move means additional capacity for residents who wish to pursue a career in nursing and study locally. The Bachelor of Nursing degree is a full time three year pre-registration programme with the option to study the field of adult nursing or mental health nursing. The programme is taught entirely in the Isle of Man and is validated and awarded by the University of Chester.
This year’s programme will consist of 14 places in the adult field and six places in the mental health field.
Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle MHK, said:
'High quality nursing care is a vital component of a good health service. Last year we secured an increase in the number of nurses we can employ at Noble’s Hospital by almost 30. However there is a high demand for nurses across the globe so filling these posts will not be easy. By increasing the number of on-Island nursing degree places we can nurture local talent and grow the pool of nurses on the Island, all whilst providing a rewarding career opportunity.'
During the degree programme student nurses will undertake a minimum of 2,300 hours of academic study supported by qualified nurse lecturers and 2,300 hours of nursing practice supported by qualified mentors in conjunction with placement staff and the multi-professional workforce.
A bursary, which is currently £5,000 a year, is awarded to successful applicants.
In addition to the pre-registration degree programme, places are available for nurses who have taken a career break and wish to return to practice. Like the pre-registration degree, the comprehensive Return to Practice programme is delivered entirely on-Island and is specifically designed to assist former nurses in making the transition back to professional practice. The programme, which is fully endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, is still accepting applicants for 2015.
Linda Radcliffe, Chief Nurse for the Isle of Man, said:
'The increase in the number of places for our nursing degrees is an exciting and welcome initiative which demonstrates Government’s commitment to developing home grown talent. It means those interested in a career in nursing don’t have to go to the UK, instead they will have the opportunity to be educated locally in familiar surroundings.
'The degree isn’t just for people leaving the education system; it provides an opportunity to those who might be looking for a complete career change. Our focus is already turning to recruitment of candidates for our 2016 intake, and I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch so that we have their details on file.
Linda continued:
'We are very keen to support existing talent and offer nurses who have previously qualified but, for whatever reason, left the profession, the opportunity to retrain on-Island through our Return to Practice programme.
'Nursing is a highly rewarding career. No two days are alike and it gives you the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people in our community.'
Anyone interested in the Return to Practice programme can contact Anne Dancox on +44 1624 651442 / anne.dancox@gov.im. Those interested in the pre-registration degree programme for 2016 can contact Ali Wood on +44 1624 642933 / alison.wood@gov.im.
Full details of the programmes, including the admissions criteria, are available online at www.gov.im/nursetraining.
