CNO Newsletter March 2011 - Department of Health, Social ...

Front Row L-R: Bob Brown Asst Dir. of Nursing South Eastern HSC Trust, Veronique Nickler, Marie-Odile Pauly,(University Lecturers). Back Row L-R: Evelyn Mooney Practice Education Co-ordinator South Eastern HSC Trust,Michelle McCartan (ward manager ward 10 UHD), Alexis Kuta (student), Gregory Rouyer (student)antibiotics no matter how muchsupporting evidence they couldprovide!The two students were supportedto obtain learning outcomesthat matched those expectedof students meeting the preregistrationstandards set by theNursing and Midwifery Council.Whilst the documentation isdifferent, anecdotal evidencefrom mentors suggested that theassessment process was similar tothat required by our universities inNorthern Ireland. One significantdifference is that the mentor hasto award a grade for the student’sperformance on their practiceplacement. The common elementsof caring and compassion wereevident in the way in which the twostudents undertook their day to daynursing activities and a high level ofclinical competence, patience andrespect for privacy and dignity wasobserved on many occasions.Quality AssuranceTwo tutors from Nancy University,School of Nursing visited theUlster Hospital as part of theirplacement audit process andsurveyed both placement areasand accommodation. Both wereconsidered satisfactory and positivereports were fed back that bothstudents were experiencing usefulplacements that would enhancetheir overall training experience.Experiential learning is the key tothe Erasmus students learningand is characterised by reflectivecommentary, demonstratingevidence of competency and skills,ongoing professional and selfdevelopment as well as the abilityto apply theory to practice. Thesegoals will form the basis of thestudent’s evaluation of experienceswhilst on placement in the UlsterHospital which they are requiredto present to lecturers and Peerswhen they return to France.A similar evaluation will take placebefore the students leave the Trustto help inform us as to what can beimproved on for the future and tocelebrate the success of this earlypartnership. We believe that wehave created good foundations fora continued partnership with theUniversity in France and we havebenefitted greatly from participatingin this experience.Siobhan Ross, Practice EducationFacilitatorEvelyn Mooney, PracticeEducation Co-ordinator21