Nursing student skills boosted by Bradford-Dewsbury link

A collaboration between the University of Bradford and Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust is giving nursing students a unique opportunity to build their skills in a clinical setting.

Anees Mahmood, 30, is from Dewsbury and studied Adult Nursing at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust in collaboration with the University of Bradford from 2018-2021, when the University partnered with the Trust.

Before his degree, Anees was working with the Trust for three years in assistant and support worker roles. When he started his nursing degree he was working as a healthcare assistant.

He said: “My journey into experiencing different positions within the NHS, and undertaking my nursing degree to completion, enabled me to be where I am now, working as a Registered Nurse at the Stroke and Neurology Rehabilitation Unit at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.”

Anees was working and studying for his degree as the Covid-19 pandemic was declared.his resulted in difficult adjustments, including working in the Intensive Care Unit, but he says the experience and support he received helped him make it through.

“This was pretty overwhelming but very rewarding in the sense that I felt valued that I worked alongside various professionals to do the best for patients in times when visiting was restricted. We often held patients’ hands to reassure them that we were there throughout their hospital journey to support them.”

The NSS student satisfaction is 100% for this programme and funding for the course is under the government's new outline for nursing, midwifery, and other allied health professional courses. From September 2020, students at English universities will receive up to £8,000 with a minimum of £5,000 a year in funding.

The course is made up of 50% clinical practice time in the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust over the three-year programme.

Anees said: “This is what makes this course unique - state-of-the-art facilities including a purpose-built clinical skills room, a wet lab room, and a designated teaching area just for students. These were the aspects that attracted me and can attract potential students to undertake this course. Also, students have the added benefit of visiting the University campus, using the University facilities such as the 24-hour library and joining lots of student societies and clubs.”

“The Adult Nursing course at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust in collaboration with University of Bradford is a fantastic opportunity for students to be gaining knowledge, participating in clinical skills and widening their experiences all within a hospital setting.”

Talking about the academic part of the course, Anees said: "Teaching for this course is done at Dewsbury Hospital and placements are undertaken at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which includes Dewsbury, Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals as well as community settings. This enables students to have the opportunity to learn and gain knowledge in different specialities such as surgery, outpatient departments and acute medicine.

“The course itself begins in April and students can work as agency support workers within the Trust whilst studying. This a unique aspect of this course as students can become more familiar with the Hospitals and put their learning into practice.”

Anees was also a University of Bradford student ambassador, where he supported and represented the University and the nursing courses at events such as the UCAS Convention in Manchester and Healthcare event held at Bradford Stadium.

He was able to manage his time working as a healthcare assistant, studying and enjoying the full benefits of being a university student.

He said: “I received excellent pastoral support from my tutors and personal academic tutor. I was awarded the title of Student Nurse of the Month twice throughout my three years of studying this course, which was very rewarding and valuable.

“I would definitely recommend this course. The small classes, a designated teaching area for students, and the fact that it is taught in a hospital setting, creates an atmosphere that students are in a nursing environment. Students can take full advantage and use of the University campus facilities.”

Mid Yorkshire Programme Leader, Jodie Copley, said: “Studying in the Mid Yorkshire School of Nursing allows students to experience studying in a working hospital setting with purpose designed teaching facilities that prepare them through interactive learning activities for a range of placements in the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.”

“The University of Bradford and Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust will support students to reach their full potential, ensuring they develop their knowledge and skills as well as confidence in their role as a nurse. A 100% overall student satisfaction score in the 2021 National Student Survey and being a 2021 finalist in the Student Nursing Times Awards in two categories gives authentication to our high standards and student focused strategy.”