NP Questions

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 24, 2005

Do they have Psych NP's in the UK? I've been really interested in that field lately. Does anyone know of any London schools that might offer it? Also, do NP's get paid more than staff nurses?

I think there is NP in mental health as I am sure at my gp surgery there are a couple. NP's will get paid more than staff nurses as they are expected to mainly work on their own and usually in the community usually employed by PCT or gp surgeries. Not sure about universities which offer this, the usually NP course is 3 yrs and at masters and with you being classed as an international student the fees would probably be high

andreamae · May 24, 2005

I'm not really worried about education costs, there are sooo many US scholarships and federal aid i am eligible for.

what are PCT and gp surgeries?

Ok the 3 years is the bachelors part right? I want to get my bachelors degree in the US, and then get my NP degree in the UK. (well i'm not for sure yet lol)

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 24, 2005

I'm not really worried about education costs, there are sooo many US scholarships and federal aid i am eligible for.
what are PCT and gp surgeries?
Ok the 3 years is the bachelors part right? I want to get my bachelors degree in the US, and then get my NP degree in the UK. (well i'm not for sure yet lol)

PCT = primary care trust They are responsible for community care and are split into smaller areas which makes it easier to ensure care and cover are adequate and following guidelines.

GP surgeries = you reqister with gp (primary doctor) he is responsible for care in the community. If admitted into hospital you then come under the care of the consultant responsible for your care whilst in hospital and when discharged from there you return under the care of your gp.

I only know of 3 year NP courses in the UK. Here is a link to one which is available near where I live in the north UK http://www.hud.ac.uk/courses/part_time/ipp_pages00000788.htm

andreamae · May 24, 2005

thanks for the info!!!! Where are the other 2?

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 24, 2005

thanks for the info!!!! Where are the other 2?

What I mean is that the NP courses are 3 years, 2 yrs spent at the university and the last year is for your disitation (spelling is not my strong point)

andreamae · May 27, 2005

Why does it take three years? It takes 2 here after getting a bachelors degree. I thought that the UK schools took less time to get through than anywhere else ??? maybe i'm confused...lol

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 28, 2005

Why does it take three years? It takes 2 here after getting a bachelors degree. I thought that the UK schools took less time to get through than anywhere else ??? maybe i'm confused...lol

probably because it is classed as a part time course, nurses are generally seconded from their job and only have to do a minimum of 2 days a week for NP training of which 1 day is spent at university. Once qualified nurses generally do further courses either as part of their job and are funded or have to do it in their own time and fund it themselves.

karenG · May 28, 2005

ok............I'll jump in

I'm an NP. NP education is at 2 levels. either batchelor or masters level. if you already have a batchelor degree you will be expected to do a masters. Its 3 years either way. you are expected to do the study part-time and have a clinical placement at the same time. In most cases, this is a general practice. you would need to find a doctor/nurse practitioner mentor for the duration of the course. I know of no NP's working in mental health. (but then I dont know all NP's and there may be some but not in my neck of the woods!) Most of us work in general practice settings, some in acute care and some in occupational health.

You need to look for RCN accredited courses... its looking as if the NMC (nursing and midwifery council) will be saying that courses must be of the same accademic level as the RCN ones, or courses with similiar content.

for more info check out the Nurse practitioer UK web site http://www.nursepractitioner.org.uk

if you want any more info.. feel free to contact me.

good luck

Karen

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 29, 2005

ok............I'll jump in
I'm an NP. NP education is at 2 levels. either batchelor or masters level. if you already have a batchelor degree you will be expected to do a masters. Its 3 years either way. you are expected to do the study part-time and have a clinical placement at the same time. In most cases, this is a general practice. you would need to find a doctor/nurse practitioner mentor for the duration of the course. I know of no NP's working in mental health. (but then I dont know all NP's and there may be some but not in my neck of the woods!) Most of us work in general practice settings, some in acute care and some in occupational health.
You need to look for RCN accredited courses... its looking as if the NMC (nursing and midwifery council) will be saying that courses must be of the same accademic level as the RCN ones, or courses with similiar content.
for more info check out the Nurse practitioer UK web site http://www.nursepractitioner.org.uk
if you want any more info.. feel free to contact me.
good luck
Karen

thanks Karen, knew you would correct me :)