Nursing

1. Only females choose to do nursing.
   It is true that less males than females enter the nursing workforce (6.2% in NI). This may be due to historical stereotypes, but the nursing profession can offer a rewarding career for both males and females.
2. All Nurses work in a hospital.
   Untrue, nurses work in a variety of environments including communities, peoples’ homes, GP surgeries, nursing homes and other private health care and voluntary provider settings.
3. Nurses only work 12 hour shifts.
   Untrue. There are a variety of shift patterns within nursing practice settings, not only 12-hour shifts.
4. Only young people enter the nursing profession.
   Untrue, nursing is a highly rewarding career that welcomes those commencing their working lives together with mature students with life experience, many of whom may already be working within a healthcare setting.
5. Nurses are handmaidens to doctors.
   Untrue. Nurses play a pivotal role in a persons care and are an integral part of the multidisciplinary team.
6. The nursing role lacks diversity.
   Untrue, there is great diversity within nursing roles and health care settings e.g. Clinical, Education, Management and Research career pathways. Nursing can be as rewarding as it is challenging.
7. Adult nurses are the only real nurses.
   Untrue, Adult, Children Young People, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Nursing are equally important. All require a high level of knowledge, skill and experience.
8. Nurses must wear a uniform.
   Untrue. Many nurses will wear a uniform which highlights their grade and role as well as helping to prevent the transfer of infections between settings. However, some nurses work in roles that do not require a uniform.
9. Becoming a nurse is easy, anyone can do it.
   Untrue. Nursing is not easy, it is complex and challenging but also very rewarding. It requires a high level of knowledge, skill and aptitude as well ongoing professional development to remain competent and active on the national Nursing and Midwifery Council’s professional register.

Seek Feedback

It’s important to understand if there was a particular aspect of your application that may have not expressed your drive or passion to begin a career in nursing or midwifery the only way to find out - is to get feedback - if you have not already received it.

• Your application form – ensure that you provide the right information with the right amount of detail. If you are re-applying take time to review and amend your information.
• Personal Statement – get feedback on this before you submit it from for example a Careers Advisor. This is essential especially if you are reapplying and will help you plan and refine it for the future.

Important aspects of feedback include:

• Your Interview – The universities are likely to provide feedback and if not then it is appropriate to ask for this. Take time to reflect on the advice provided.

Strengthening your Personal Profile

People who have some experience in the role which they are applying for can have an advantage over those who do not.

• Working as a Nursing Assistant or Maternity Support Worker will provide you with valuable health care working experience and evidence of this can be presented in your application form. This can be paid or voluntary.
• Some universities may offer bridging courses into the profession of your choice.
• Consider applying for other health care related courses or qualifications that may improve your reapplication or prepare you for studying at degree level, for example the Regional Colleges.

Prepare for Future Success

It is important to look at what makes applicants more desirable. If the university you applied to looks for specific qualifications that you do not have, explore how you could obtain these before your next application.

Don’t forget to speak to people such as teachers, tutors, health care professionals or other students studying on the course of your choice. Their advice and support can be both encouraging and invaluable.

Finally, Never Give Up!

You already know that Nursing or Midwifery is the profession you want to pursue - don’t be discouraged.

Eligibility

Students applying for a pre-registration nursing or direct entry midwifery course in Northern Ireland may be eligible a Health and Social Care (HSC) bursary.

Application for a Bursary

Application forms are dispatched after the university has confirmed your place on the course.

Other Allowances

• Dependency Allowances – you may be eligible to claim this allowance for a partner, other adult or children who are financially dependent on you; this allowance is means-tested and you will be required to provide evidence to support your claim.
  
  In addition, if you are eligible for these you may be entitled to a Parents Learning Allowance and/or Childcare Allowance.
• Disabled Students’ Allowance - may be payable if you have a disability and need extra help to complete your course. The allowance can help with specialist equipment, a non-medical helper or other course-related costs.
• Clinical Placement Expenses – as part of your course, student nurses and midwives will complete clinical placements at healthcare organisations throughout Northern Ireland. When the cost of travelling to these placements is greater than normal daily costs to and from the university, students may claim for any additional costs incurred.

Contact Information

For further information or any queries on the HSC student bursary contact:

Student Bursary Manager
Bursary Administration Unit
Business Services Organisation
2 Franklin Street
Belfast
BT2 8DQ

Tel: 02895363988 or 02895363818 or 02895363817

e-mail: studentnurse.busaries@hscni.net

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