ELECTIVE DATES: 7th January 2013 - 2nd February 2013
APPLICATION FORM DEADLINE: Friday 11th June, 2012
Electives are a unique and exciting opportunity for students to plan and organise a short period of work experience in an environment that is not available to UWE students. The aim is to:
- Deepen students' knowledge and understanding of that particular service or organisation in the context of inter-professional working.
- Broaden student's knowledge and experience of health care delivery in the context of their current status as a student nurse.
All nursing students can apply to undertake an elective placement of no more than 4 weeks during the first 4 weeks of their third year if they fulfil the following criteria: -
1. Successful completion of all year 1 and 2 theory and practice modules to date.
2. Demonstrate a sickness/absence profile of less than 14 days.
3. GDP / Personal Tutor support.
Please note - Students may not use the time to undertake paid employment or holidays.
Electives are organised, arranged and wholly funded by the student, in close liaison with nursing elective group representatives, and with the UWE Placement Unit. Costs could include accommodation, travel, any fees charged by the host organisation, and all daily living costs. Students considering undertaking electives may also seek advice and support from their representative or personal tutor. Prior to undertaking an elective, students must also ensure that they have -
- Comprehensive professional indemnity insurance (PII) e.g Royal College of Nursing, which includes cover during the elective placement.
- UWE travel insurance covers students for the peirod of the elective only.
- All students travelling abroad must complete a Risk Assessment.
- For electives taken overseas - students must have a valid passport, health & inoculation cover and visas where necessary.
- (When requested and applicable) an honorary contract and contemporaneous Criminal Record Bureau check. CRB checks can be arranged through UWE for a fee of approximately £40.00
- Some institutions charge a fee to students undertaking electives. Students are advised to make inquiries regarding this when making initial contacts with their proposed host institutions.
How to apply - Students wishing to undertake an elective are required to complete and submit an application (available online) following the Elective flowchart to the nursing representative within their field. This should include detailed information relating to proposed learning outcomes. Supporting information should clearly demonstrate learning aims and rationale for elective choice. Successful applicants will be informed within 4 weeks.
PLEASE NOTE - NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED unless there are exceptional circumstances
1. Prior to the elective start date
- Successful students will meet with their representative to confirm elective information.
2. During the elective -
- Keep a reflective log of experiences to be placed in their portfolio of learning. This should outline implicit & explicit learning, and show evidence of how the elective has contributed to personal and professional development.
- Complete the elective timesheet and submit with year three timesheets.
- Students cannot have practice learning outcomes or clinical skills sets (OAR) signed off during their elective period.
3. Following the elective -
- Attend a debriefing session which will be organised on their return.
- Present your elective experience at an open afternoon to other students.
- Write an official letter of thanks to the host.
If for any reason a student is unable to undertake his/her pre-arranged elective, students MUST contact your representitive and PLU to confirm thier existing UWE placement.
Further information and advice is available from the following Senior Lecturers who form the Travel Opportunities for Nursing and Midwifery Group.