Open days for prospective nursing students

Islanders interested in a career in nursing will have the opportunity to join a growing number of home-grown Jersey nurses.

 

Two open days will take place later this month to allow potential applicants to find out more prior to the 2015 intake of student nurses, who will begin their training next September and are guaranteed jobs once they have graduated.

 

The open days will offer the chance for anyone who is interested to talk to management and nurses from HSSD in an informal setting, find out more about the Adult Nurse and Mental Health Nurse programmes and ask questions. The events will take place at the Education Centre at Jersey General Hospital (on the corner of Newgate and Gloucester Streets), on the following dates:

• Thursday 13 November, from 4 pm to 8 pm
• Saturday 29 November, from 10 am to 4 pm

Nurse training in Jersey is provided by the Health and Social Services Department (HSSD) in conjunction with the University of Chester, with students combining practical experience with study modules that build towards a Bachelor of Nursing honours degree.

 

The 2015 intake will be the third successive group to embark on a degree course in Adult Nursing. Both the practical and academic elements of this course are delivered on the Island.

 

Additionally, and for the first time, there will be a chance for Islanders to start a career as a Mental Health Nurse. This degree programme, also delivered in conjunction with the University of Chester, will combine practical local training with annual periods of study in Chester.

 

Head of Education, Learning and Development, Julie Mesny, said “Training as a nurse is the start of a wonderfully fulfilling career. We are delighted that more students will be setting out down this path in 2015, particularly as the group will include prospective Mental Health Nurses for the first time.

 

“Prior to the current group of students, Islanders have only been able to obtain degree level qualifications by moving to the UK and studying there; this wasn’t possible for some because of financial or practical constraints, so it is fantastic that there is an opportunity for more home-grown nurses.”

 

“We hope we’ll be talking to those who are leaving school in summer 2015, as well as older applicants who may be seeking a change of career,” said Mrs Mesny. “There are some fixed entry requirements which students must meet, but beyond that our nurses come from a range of different backgrounds.”

 

Anyone with any queries, or who is interested but cannot attend, should contact the Health Department Education Centre. Appointments may be booked for either of the open days, although dropping in without an appointment is also possible.

 

​