This is a @WeNurses, @WeDistrictNurse, @WeGPNs, @WeMHNurses and @WeLDNurses collaborative discussion for details please click HERE

At this time of year there is always a real buzz in the education world, the start of a new term, a new career or a return to education. This chat is focussing on those returning to education, however we need to hear from all students, as we know you student nurses will have some great tips for those of us who are returning to study after a break in education.

On qualifying, I remember my fellow graduates discussing what they wanted to study next, at the time all I could think of was getting into work, and learning my role on the job as it were. Sure I did a few additional modules, but nothing too taxing... But then things changed and I started to yearn for more education, some training to solidify the work I was doing in practice, and to give me the theory to underpin my practice.

After a number of years away from education, this year I start studying at masters level, and I have no qualms in sharing my fears with you all…1. Am I capable of this level of study?

2. With all the advances in technology, will the process of study have changed?

3. How will I cope with the balance of study, work and running a home?

4. Who will support me academically?

5. My time management has never been brilliant, how do I prioritise my workload?

These fears have not disturbed my sleep too much yet, but I know they will soon enough!

So, how easy is it to access post registration training and education? Are we all getting the same opportunities for post reg study? Should there be more regulations about who gets the opportunity to study post registration?

In my previous trust, it felt as though were very limited places for post registration study, especially on the masters pathway, it seemed as though it was discussed at my appraisal on an annual basis for several years and yet was never approved. I asked about the opportunity but in the years I worked there I was only ever ‘approved’ for one module.This was both demoralising and frustrating and it left me with a feeling I was not valued.

But speaking with friends and colleagues my situation is not uncommon, there is not a set algorithm for determining who gets the university places and how the funding for further education is allocated. I was also surprised to learn there is no legal requirement for employers of nurses to provide CPD educational opportunities; these have to be informally negotiated during appraisals. However the NMC Post Registration Education and Practice (PREP) requirements state that nurses must undertake a minimum of 45 hours of CPD education every three years in order to maintain registration.

How is the funding allocated? Speaking with a friend who works in learning and development there are certain criteria which are used when planning the division of funding. Is the course necessary for the role people are fulfilling? Has it been identified in appraisal? Is it a job requirement? There are also certain universities which are aligned with certain hospital and community trusts, and this can impact on the courses available to post graduate students. At a recent meeting with our local university senior tutor we were informed that it was the local trusts who had the greatest influence over the programme for post registration studies, as the demand for certain courses increased, the universities then provided said courses. While this is clearly a very needs led process, which appeals to me in the way it is tailored to the local economy, does it not also mean that there is a real variation in what post registration courses are available and where?

Having finally had my plea accepted, to start my masters degree, I then had to negotiate the modules and application process. The experience of completing online application forms for university was new to me, and I have to confess after going through that process I was unsure I had the necessary skills to complete the form let alone the course of study! 

So here I am, on the verge of being a student again, and I want all your tips, tricks and advice, as well as information about what exists for learning disability nurses to study post registration.

https://www2.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/583260/16.14_RCN_Factsheet_Continuing_Professional_Development_for_nurses_working_in_the_UK.pdf

https://www.nmc.org.uk/education/standards-for-education/