News release: Everyone wins as nurses go on-line to get qualified

Abstract

Enquiries are flooding in for a unique on-line nursing degree at the University of Central
Lancashire, as nurses grasp the opportunity to get better qualified without having to leave
the workplace.
Lecturers at the Preston-based University believe this latest innovation is just what the
NHS needs at a time when the government is planning to invest more into the Service to
curb staff shortages.
Previously only available as a taught programme, the course enables registered nurses,
already qualified with a Diploma in HE, to continue their studies to degree level, without
having to attend the University. For NHS Trusts, it reduces the problem of finding cover
for nurses who want to study.
"I'm sure all NHS Trusts want their nurses to be as highly qualified as possible but it must
cause problems having to release them from work when there are already staff shortages,"
says Lyndsey Peacock, course tutor. "With this course, all the teaching material is on-line
so nurses can study in their own time, wherever and whenever it suits them."
Two modules of the degree are already on-line, with the full complement becoming
available from September this year when the whole degree course goes live. Several
nurses have already signed up, hoping to complete the first two modules and give
themselves a headstart for September.
"We have nurses enrolled on the course from across the UK as well as overseas,"· says
Lyndsey. "And it's the same with the enquiries for September too. I've received almost a
hundred already and they coming from far and wide. Learning on-line will be a whole
new experience for many of these students but the benefits it offers in terms of flexibility
are proving extremely attractive."
There are other benefits too. Each week, Lyndsey holds an on-line conference with
students on her Ethical Issues in Nursing Practice module. "Because students come from
all over the UK and Europe, they bring with them such a breadth of experience and
diversity of opinions, it makes the debate so much more productive."
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12th March 2003 nr013kjf
Note to editors: For further details contact Lyndsey Peacock on 01772 893608