March/April 2004
People

Improving Nursing with conversion course

More than 1,000 nurses have improved their career prospects thanks to an open learning course at the University.

The two-year part-time Nurse Conversion course allows nurses to upgrade from the 'second-level grade' to the first level. The UK stopped offering second-level training in 1990, so the course is making a vital contribution to improving skills in the profession.

"The career path is much better for a first-level nurse," said Course Leader Ann Luttrell.

"Many of the people who have come to us are returning to nursing - one student last year had been away from nursing for 25 years."

Joyce Fairclough, who is in the first year of her conversion course, is a second-level practice nurse at The Ridge Medical Practice in Bradford. She qualified in 1975 and says that the course greatly improves her prospects and her confidence.

"The Primary Care Trust lays down certain guidelines about what a second-level nurse can and can't do. For example, I am not allowed to carry out smear tests or conduct nurse-led clinics."

In November, the latest group of more than 30 nurses who have qualified enjoyed a ceremony in the Great Hall to mark their new status.

The current nurses group held a conference on forensics at the end of March. This was a highlight of the course, as nurses have to organise the entire two-day event from scratch.

There are currently more than 40 nurses engaged in the course which for the first time from next year will attract University credits.

Joyce added: "The course is hard work, but it's also a lot of fun."

16 April 2004

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