Degree Programme in Nursing: NSHTS14A

Descriptions

DESCRIPTION AND STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE
The specialisation alternatives in the Degree Programme in Nursing are Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Public Health Nursing, or Midwifery. The scope of a Degree in Nursing is 210 credits, and the degree can be completed in 3.5 years. The Degree in Nursing can also be completed in an English degree programme, Degree Programme in Nursing. The Degrees in Public Health Nursing (240 credits, 4 years) and in Midwifery (270 credits, 4.5 years) are based on the Degree in Nursing. One credit is the equivalent of approximately 27 hours of student learning work. An academic year contains 60 credits of studies.

The curriculum of the Degree Programme in Nursing is based on:

- the objectives and future prospects highlighting health promotion and responding to the population's health problems in line with Finland's health policies

- legislation on health care professionals

- international agreements and recommendations, EU directive 2005/36/EU in particular

- the competence descriptions laid out by the Terveysalan ammattikorkeakoulutus 2005 (Polytechnic Education in the Health Care Sector) work group founded by the Ministry of Education (www.minedu.fi/julkaisut/)

- the innovation competences in individual, community and network skills laid out by Turku University of Applied Sciences

- the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 6

- the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (www.minedu.fi/OPM) Level 6

- the Koulutuksella osaamista asiakaskeskeisiin ja moniammatillisiin palveluihin (Competence in Customer-focused and Multi-professional Services through Education) (STM (2012)) publication of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health

- innovation pedagogics, lifelong learning and regional impact, in accordance with the strategy of Turku University of Applied Sciences.

Studies consist of core and professional studies, a final project and the related maturity test, free-choice modules and guided work placement promoting vocational skills. The studies are structured mainly into modules that refer to a unit or area of competence that is wider than the study unit supporting the student's learning in mastering integral areas. The student shall complete studies in entrepreneurship as part of his or her studies.



The objective of core studies is that the student develops his or her skills in communications and internationalism, adopts evidence-based researching work methods in his or her studies and as a healthcare expert, and acquires the language skills stipulated in government decree 352/2003.

The objective of professional studies is that the student internalises ethically high standards and principles of health promotion in his or her working methods. He or she will develop in addressing health problems of people of different ages and will become familiar with the integral problem areas and adaptations in his or her respective professional field as well as their scientific grounds, so that he or she will be able to work independently in expert duties, development work and as an entrepreneur in his or her field (Decree 352/2003). The theoretical background of professional studies lies in healthcare knowledge based on nursing science, which the student will apply together with the knowledge base of other sciences that are relevant to the profession.

Work placement (nursing work 75 cr, healthcare work 85 cr, midwifery work 120 cr) is an integral part of the studies in the Degree Programme in Nursing. The student shall complete part of the guided work placement in class and simulation exercises in university classroom environment, where he or she shall practise and develop his or her basic skills in order to continue studies in different nursing and operational environments. During the work placement study units, the student shall systematically develop his or her concept of and skills in nursing, deepening his or her study objectives when transferring from one study unit to another. Practical training is guided by qualified staff and a teacher of the university of applied sciences, and it is implemented under the supervision of nursing staff in units that have the appropriate number of qualified nursing staff and appropriate equipment for nursing care. The educational institute providing nursing education is responsible for integrating the theoretical and clinical training during the entire studies. The work placement shall meet the requirement of decree 352/2003 for work placement that promotes vocational skills.

To complete the work placement study unit as laid out in the curriculum, the student may apply for recognition of work performed in employment that must be suitable in terms of the degree the student is studying.

The final project (15 cr) shall demonstrate the student's aptitude to work independently and use research-based data in a critical manner. Final projects are carried out in working-life-oriented research and development projects. The maturity test is a written essay in the field of the final project that demonstrates knowledge of the field and competence in Finnish or another language of education.

Free-choice modules will help the student to improve and expand his or her professional nursing skills. Free-choice modules are included in the core, vocational core and specialisation studies. Free-choice modules must include 5 cr completed in English.

WORKING LIFE READINESS AND COMPETENCE DEVELOPED DURING THE DEGREE PROGRAMME STUDIES
Nursing is based on a holistic perspective on and respect for human beings. Nursing meets healthcare needs that relate to human existence and the well-being of people. In society, nursing promotes and maintains the population's health and well-being, prevents and treats illnesses and reduces harm and impairment due to illness by supporting self-treatment, empowerment, independent coping and rehabilitation as well as relieving suffering. Nursing is by its nature community-oriented and public.

Nursing helps people of all ages in different life situations and environments. Nursing contributes to implementing and shaping the objectives of society's health policies as well as promoting sustainable development. Based on this societal mission, the objective of the Degree Programme in Nursing is to train qualified nursing experts who have extensive and in-depth professional competence.

Expertise in nursing comprehends the ability to develop and improve practices based on researched data as well as competence in evidence-based nursing work, entrepreneurship, international activities, social influencing and lifelong learning as a member of the information society. The foundation for an expert in nursing is always to act adhering to ethical responsibility and the promotion of good life. Working in nursing requires strong ethical, critical and professional skills in professional thinking and decision-making. Those who have completed the degree can actively acquire and evaluate information and its use as the basis of their actions. They will develop their own skills further when working as an expert in nursing.

A nurse (Bachelor of Nursing) is a nursing expert, whose mission in society is to support individuals, families and communities to define, achieve and maintain their health in changing circumstances and different operating environments, such as basic healthcare, specialist healthcare, social services and in the private and third sector.

A nurse is able to carry out and develop nursing, which both promotes and maintains health, prevents illnesses and heals and rehabilitates. A nurse works independently as a nursing expert when treating patients and, at the same time, carries out medical treatment of the patient as prescribed by the doctor. A nurse supports the resources of people and communities in different life situations. He or she helps people to deal with illness, disability and death. A nurse works in co-operation with different professional groups. Education of nurses is governed by EU directive 2005/36/EU. Those who have completed the degree will become legally qualified health care professionals to work as nurses.

Competence descriptions (ECTS)

The process of professional growth will advance in accordance with the annual themes of the curriculum. As the studies progress, the student evaluates his or her own competence in relation to the learning objectives of the degree. Professional growth will be supported throughout the studies.

Table 1. General innovation competences of Turku University of Applied Sciences

Description of competence area

Innovation competences of personal skills

shall be able to think and make decisions independently

shall be able to act with intention and persistence

shall be able to solve problems creatively and develop ways of working

shall be able to evaluate and develop his or her learning and learning methods

Innovation competences of social and collaboration skills

shall be able to act co-operatively in a multidisciplinary team and work community

shall be able to take initiative and responsibility according to the community's objectives

shall be able to implement research and development projects by applying and combining data and methods from different fields

shall be able to act in accordance with ethical and socially responsible principles

shall be able to act in working life interaction and communication situations

Innovation competences of networking skills

shall be able to create and maintain connections in working life

shall be able to act in networks

shall be able to act in multidisciplinary and multicultural co-operation

shall be able to communicate and interact internationally

STUDIES IN THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
Studying in the degree programme is based on the premises of innovation pedagogics defined in the strategy of Turku University of Applied Sciences. Innovation pedagogics combines learning, producing new information and applying the knowledge acquired. It is seen in, for example, innovative teaching methods, different social learning environments, alternative methods for completing studies, flexible curricula, internationalism and entrepreneurial activities. In practice, innovation pedagogics refers to an approach to learning and tuition that emphasises orientation on working life and focus on research and development.

The student is seen as an active, independent and responsible learner, who is able to make choices about his or her studies. He or she is supported with forming developing and organised structures of information.

The methods for learning and teaching vary. The contents of the courses and their relation to a wider context define the choice of methods. In nursing, the basis for learning is the student's research-based and questioning way of thinking, which is the methodical and contentual factor in learning. Inquiry as a method of learning is a questioning and critical way of thinking that seeks evidence.

As part of the studies, students shall participate in various joint research and development projects of the university of applied sciences and working life, in which they shall improve their skills in multidisciplinary team and project work, shall be encouraged to accept more challenging tasks and shall internalise a way of working that aims to influence decision-making. In the different study units, the research and development activities of the degree programme are realised as, for example, working-life-oriented final projects and project studies.

The objective of internationalism is that the student will widen his or her global perspective, learn to understand different cultures and be able to work in a multicultural working environment. Different forms of internationalism in studies include studies in the English language, studies abroad, tutoring exchange students and various seminars and projects. Studies abroad are part of the degree completed in Finland in a manner to be agreed on separately and will not extend the study time.

The degree programme contains 10 cr of compulsory study modules in English. In addition, the student must complete 5 cr of free-choice modules in English.

Studying in the Degree Programme in Nursing takes place, in part, in the university and, in part, in various healthcare and working life units. Work placement will be systematically integrated with other studies and will be assessed in genuine patient, client and healthcare contexts.

COUNSELLING
Learning nursing expertise is a process promoted by supporting the student with different types of tutoring. The student will receive guidance right from the start of the studies, and each student group has a designated teacher tutor. Tutoring may be individual or take place in groups, and it can be related to theoretical studies and/or the work placement. Guidance will also be available from module teachers and guidance counsellors.

The overall objective of guidance counselling and learning support is that the student will advance in his or her studies following the group's curriculum. The student will draw up his or her individual study plan (e-HOPS) under guidance, which will direct study progress in terms of time, contents and methodology. With the individual study plan, the student will develop his or her skills in relation to the learning objectives set in the curriculum. If the student falls behind, he or she will be guided to seek support as early as possible from the teacher tutor or guidance counsellor.

Progress of the individual study plan is monitored and updated as the studies progress, in connection with development discussions held with the teacher tutor. The student bears the responsibility for the progress of the studies and seeking guidance where needed.

Further information

EVALUATION AND FEEDBACK
The studies have been divided into modules. Completion of a module requires achieving the level of competence laid out in the approval criteria. Learning assessment evaluates the development in expertise and its requirements. Assessment provides guidance for and develops learning, and it focuses on both the learning process and results. Continuous evaluation supports the student in setting his or her own targets and assessing them as well as in identifying his or her own strengths and areas of development with the help of peer and self-assessment. Assessment is carried out as versatile evaluation of the mastery of core competences, where the student has the option to select an individual way to demonstrate his or her learning as agreed. Learning assessment will be carried out as closely as possible to the real situation requiring the competence. Passing the guided work placement requires participation to the extent of the credits specified in the curriculum, progress in line with the set targets, and reaching the targets. Right from the start of his or her studies, the student shall be building an individual portfolio of completed competences, with the help of which students can demonstrate their individual areas of expertise, both during the studies and after completing the degree.

To assess his or her learning, the student shall use the Turku University of Applied Sciences evaluation framework for Bachelor's Degrees, which is applied to the modules and is found detailed in the implementation plans.

On specified grounds while completing the degree (Recognition and acknowledegment of the student's previous learning = RPL), the student may be accredited for studies completed in other Finnish or foreign academic institutions that meet the competence requirements of the degree. Based on prior education in the healthcare sector, work experience and other evidence, studies of the first term may be accredited. In addition, the student can apply for accreditation of other competence of similar standard acquired by some other means (such as work experience). The student's competence will be assessed based on certificates or other evidence. The onus for demonstrating evidence for studies and competence is on the student.

The student will participate in the planning of tuition and its implementation in different work groups. The student will evaluate his or her learning and give feedback on the planning and implementation of tuition by module, more extensively for each term, and in the final stage of the degree for the entire degree education. The students' feedback will be taken into account in the development of the degree education.