Student Nurses Gain Brain Injury Care Experience Through New Partnership
4 February 2013
Nursing students at the University of Derby
This is a wonderful opportunity to ensure future high standards for acquired and traumatic brain injury treatment and we are thrilled to be involved in helping to develop the nurses of the future.
”Jane Howden, Head of Nursing at Huntercombe Services Nottingham.
Student nurses from the University of Derby will receive specialist training at Huntercombe Services Nottingham's high dependency neurological unit for this first time after a partnership was launched.
From February (2013) onwards, students will shadow specialist clinicians and therapists at Huntercombe's Fernwood Unit, including Consultant Clinical Psychologist Doctor Ray Dyal and Senior Physiotherapist Gerry Scott, during four-week placements.
Working alongside these healthcare professionals the students will consolidate their theoretical knowledge and practical application of neurological patient care through valuable exposure to patients with severe disabilities as a result of an acquired or traumatic brain injury.
The work placement will contribute to the students' overall training, with learning objectives set out beforehand by their University tutors. Students will become familiar with medication used in neurological care and the ongoing issues these patients and clients encounter.
Specific areas that will be covered during their time on the unit include tracheostomy care, respiratory care management, Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG), feeding and other nutritional complexities associated with brain trauma.
Commenting on the forthcoming placements, Jane Howden, Head of Nursing at Huntercombe Services Nottingham, said: "I have been with the Nursing team at the University of Derby to improve and share best clinical practice and increase the profile of the Fernwood Unit as an appropriate and beneficial placement for students looking to work and gain experience of the independent sector.
"Staff members have attended mentorship training and preceptorship updates in preparation for their arrival, so the unit is ideally situated to host our new guests.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to ensure future high standards for acquired and traumatic brain injury treatment and we are thrilled to be involved in helping to develop the nurses of the future."
Dr Paula Crick, Head of Nursing and Healthcare Practice at the University of Derby, said: "We are delighted that our students will have this opportunity to gain vital experience at the Fernwood Unit."
For more information on Nursing at the University of Derby visit www.derby.ac.uk/nursing
For more on the Huntercombe Nursing Group visit website http://huntercombe.com/centre/huntercombe-services-nottingham
