Semester 1 Modules

This will be somewhat of a short post in terms of discussion, but contains plenty for you to see. =) As I now have access to the university student site I have found out the modules for my first semester. I have 2 different modules, each one consisting of different subjects. They are as follows;

Professional Values & Academic Skills (Module 1);

- Nursing as a Profession & the NMC Code of Conduct

- Record Keeping

- Introduction to Law, Ethics & Human Rights

- Portfolio & Employability

- Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice

- Introduction to Reflective Practice

- Diversity & Safeguarding

- Philosophy of Nursing

Introduction to Nursing Practice & Decision Making (Module 2);

- Patient Handling

- Basic Life Support

- Infection Prevention & Control

- Care, Compassion & Communication

- Nutrition and Fluid Management

- Organisational Aspects of Care

- Medicines Management

Anatomy & Physiology consists of;

- Cells & Homeostasis

- The Skin

- Cardiovascular System

- Nervous System

- Renal System

- Digestive System

- Respiratory System

- Physiology of Pain

- Principles of Pharmacology

And all this is just the first semester!!! Each module will coincide with the other, so it's not like we'll do just module 1 and then go onto module 2, we do them at the same time. I don't know if that's good or bad... Anyway, I am so excited to be going over all these subjects, and I am really looking forward to the challenge. I will try my hardest to write an entry on each of these, however, time may not allow that, I'll soon find out.

4 WEEKS & 5 DAYS TO GO...

Stress, Study & Shopping

Right, I am finally writing a new post. I've been saying for days that I will do a new one, but unfortunately I've had family things to deal with. Anyway, I am extremely excited about starting university in 5 weeks time, and I really want to get myself more prepared, but right now is not a great time for me, but the more I think about what I still have left to do, the more I feel slightly stressed. I am still mourning the passing of my Nan, she was a wonderful woman and I miss her dearly. Her funeral is on Tuesday so for the time being I have put uni preparations on hold

I've been trying all sorts this week to keep my mind busy so I'm not dwelling on the negative things that are going on. It's just really hard to stay focused right now. As I am back living with my mum for my first year of uni, she has kindly agreed to let me take the bigger bedroom to get me out of the box room I'm in at the moment, I really do need more space. So sorting all that out during the week will be great. My kids are off on holiday for a week now with their mum so I have an entire week to get a few thing sorted.

I really feel like I should be studying a bit too, I know it's not essential but I want to have a basic knowledge of things, and I found a love for studying during my access course, so now I can't help putting my nose into a A&P book in my spare time. I have been watching some YouTube videos which have been great, some of my favourites are from a series by ' Campbellteaching'. Here is one of the videos;

I have quite a lot of stuff I need to buy too; I have to buy all my stationary (pens, paper, folders, etc), I need to buy stuff we've been told to buy for the course (stethoscope, syg, shoes) and also I want to buy a few new books. I also have to buy a new computer as the laptop I am currently using is on its last legs! I've had it for 6-7 years now and it's now falling apart, internally and externally. I can't wait to start shopping!

I'm not going to post again now until next week. I really need to spend this week clearing my head and getting a few thing sorted. I will be back refreshed and ready to write soon. (I will keep you all updated on Twitter).

Have a great week everyone!

Learning About The Student Union

Each day I am constantly checking my Facebook and Twitter accounts and lately I'm noticing a lot of updates from my university's Student Union. To be completely honest I only joined/followed them on Facebook and Twitter because they were a part of the university. I only vaguely knew what a Student Union was but lately I've began to ask myself, what can they really do...? It's like having an NUS card, I know what it's for, but what does NUS even mean...? (I now know it stands for National Union of Students). I asked a couple of my student friends today what they thought Student Unions did, all they could tell me what that a Student Union was an organisation that represents the interests of students within the University. They couldn't really elaborate when it came to specific things they did for students.
Looking on my Students Union website I found out a great deal of information. Initially all I knew was that everyone registered on a university course (be it full time or part time and irrespective of which campus they studying at) are automatically members of their universities SU and can access a wide range of services and activities the Union run, and that in short... we as students run the SU by sharing ideas/concerns with a group of elected representatives; the Student Council who act on our behalf.

Student Unions also offer a great deal of advice to students in areas such as;

Financial Support - They will help you find the financial support you're entitled to and help you find a student bank account that offer interest-free overdrafts. They will help you with your budgeting and even help you if you feel like you're getting into debt. Hardship funds are even payed out for students who are in financial crisis and are thinking of giving up university due to financial problems. (Students studying part-time and those who chose not to accept student loans only). TIP: If you have a low income, you can get what is called a 'HC1 Form' from your Student Union, this will exempt you from health costs such as prescriptions and dental costs.

Health & Wellbeing - The SU will help you if you feel you have issues with crime, alcohol, drugs, mental health and sexual health and will provide you with appropriate services should you need them.

Academic Support - During your time at university you will be asked to take various assessments to test your learning and understanding of your subject. Unfortunately problems can and do sometimes happen. Your university will have resources and help available for students who are struggling with their learning, whether it is help preparing for exams, problems with referencing, or general study skills advice.  

The Student Union is also there to help you if things go wrong during your studies. They will offer advice, information and representation, on a range of academic issues, including:

• Applications for Exceptional Circumstances: What to do if illness or personal problems affect your work and you need to defer an assessment or request a coursework extension.

• Errors in the way an assessment is conducted: What to do if you feel that an error the University has made has affected an assessment e.g. the assessment rules were not followed properly.

• Disciplinary procedures and appealing the outcome of a hearing: What happens if you are accused of breaching the University rules i.e. plagiarism, an examination offense or issues about your behaviour.

• Complaints: Information regarding how to complain about a member of University staff, the course delivery or an aspect of your time at the University that you are unhappy with.

And for us student nurses in particular...

• “Fitness For Practice” What to expect if your “Fitness For Practice” is called into question whilst studying a professional course (i.e. Nursing).

It is doubtful problems like this will occur, but incase they do, you now know where you can seek help. Thank you for reading. If you have any questions please comment below.