1. Registered Nurse/ Diploma in Higher Education Student Journey

2. Background School of Health offers pre-registration courses at diploma level (2 intakes of 50 per year) and degree level (1 intake of 8 - 12 students every other year). The School occupies 3 centres (Walsall, Wolverhampton and Burton), mental health students attend the Wolverhampton centre for theory sessions. Students undertake clinical placements in either Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell or South Staffordshire.

3. Entry Requirements At least 17-and-a-half-years old Five subjects at GCSE grades A-C (including an English- based subject) Or BTEC NC/ND, or Advanced GCE/VCE, or NVQ Level Three in a health-related subject, or Access Course Or GNVQ Intermediate (merit or distinction) plus GCSE English grade A-C - equivalent qualifications will also be considered Medically fit and CRB clearance. All short listed candidates are interviewed. Understanding of the nature of mental health nursing/ the experience of mental health problems

4. Student Profile – most recent intake for the RN/DipHE Mental Health Branch (40 students) 2 students have a BSc degree 1 student has a Diploma in Pharmacy 21 students have 5 or more GCSE qualifications 9 students have NVQ III in health related subject. 6 students have completed an Access to HE course. 25 students have previously worked in a health or social care setting. 10 students were born outside the UK

5. Course structure – year 1 (Common Foundation Programme).

6. Common Foundation Modules Introduction to Nursing Biological systems Core nursing skills Pharmacology Self Awareness and relating to others Psychological sciences Communication skills. Dealing with adverse situations Holistic Nursing Practice In Context Professional regulation Concepts of health Legislation health policy

7. Did the 3 theoretical CFP modules prepare you for clinical placements in mental health services in year one? Yes, I felt the modules provided good preparation 5 I felt the modules provided adequate preparation 18 I felt the modules provided little preparation. 8 I felt the modules provided no preparation 0 Comments 4 out 5 students who felt preparation was good had 12 or more months working in mental health services. 4 students with less than12 months experience in mental health and 4 students with no experience felt there was little preparation.

8. Course structure – year 2

9. Module Content – Year 2 Foundations in Mental Health Working with service users and carers in crisis Promoting Equality and Diversity Content Concepts of mental health and illness Mental health policy and law Assessment and care planning Content Concepts relevant to crisis and acute care Knowledge and skills relevant to crisis and acute care Content The experience of inequality and discrimination. Developing cultural competence. Developing practice that promotes equality and diversity

10. Course structure year 3

11. Module Content – Year 3 Promoting Mental Health and Recovery Current Trends in Mental Health Development of the Professional Role Promoting health and wellness Developments in mental health practice, policy education and law Teaching, learning and health care management