In response to the demand for increased nurses, Liverpool John Moores University had a new curriculum validated in March 2021: A MSc pre-registration Nursing programme. This is a two year programme which leads to registration with the NMC in either Adult/Mental Health/Child Nursing and a MSc. Applicants are required to hold a minimum of 2:2 degree and 770 hours of caring experience which can be evidenced against the first year of the pre-registration nursing programme, thereby satisfying the NMC standards (2018). This programme has been developed to have three themes: practice, research and leadership. A high calibre of applicants has been received; bringing a wide range of experiences and skills and as numbers are small (n=40) this cohort has potential to be the sample for this study. The programme will commence in September 2021.
It is of interest to understand the experiences of these students and their career trajectories, particularly as pre-registration masters’ level programmes are increasing in number in the UK. It will be interesting to see whether this cohort ‘fast track’ into clinical research roles? And to explore the unique set of skills this group beings to bear on their role as a new nurse registrant. It is anticipated that this study will explore:
· Evaluation of the perceived usefulness of research skills taught during the programme.
· Evaluation of the effectiveness of a range of teaching and learning approaches to gaining such skills with long-term follow up and evaluation.
· Exploration and evaluation on role transition, student to new nurse registrant to researcher.
· Identifying the perceived preparedness of students for research activity as registrants.
· To identify what issues the new nurse registrants identify and encounter in relation to their pre-registration research learning?
This study is significant for a number of reasons, HEE have funded this new programme and evidence to demonstrate that this investment is aligned to achieving the goals outlined in the Clinical Academic Careers Framework (2018) has a number of benefits for both the university and HEE. In addition, by developing research mindedness in these nurses at the beginning of their careers, it is hoped that they will continue to be research active, garnering a strong evidence base to support their future practice and that of others and perhaps returning to Liverpool John Moores University to study at doctorate level and potentially generating grant income.
This qualitative case study research seeks to describe and understand people’s experiences, however it will also be helpful to harvest existing data such as academic grades and assessment in clinical practice. A key feature of case study is the diversity of methods and sources which are utilised (Walshe et al., 2004). It is anticipated that this research will use a longitudinal approach with one cohort of pre-registration nurses who are studying at Masters level.
The supervisory team’s expertise is in undertaking and supporting research that explores HEI and specifically nursing students’ experiences of higher education, from ethnographic and case study methods.
Outputs will include: Publication of papers related to the study and the production of an internal report specifically detailing recommendations for use within LJMU.
Qualifications and experience: A Master’s degree would be desirable, but a good first degree is essential. Some previous experience in conducting qualitative research would be advantageous. A clear passion for research which seeks to understand the experiences of people. Knowledge of pre-registration masters programmes in nursing is essential.
Interview Date: Early June 2021
To apply: Please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your previous experience and reasons for wanting to undertake this research to Prof Debbie Roberts [Email Address Removed]
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