MSc blended nursing- balancing part time work

[Anewusernametoday]

I’m considering a career change to become a nurse but the course concerns me.

I am eligible to apply for the 2 year MSc Nursing (blended-so the majority of theory is online)
UWL University of West London to be specific.

The idea of 40 hour weeks on placement worry me as I need to work throughout the course.

i have support for childcare, that fortunately isn’t the issue. I have a small family business to run. It’s my bread and butter but not my future- I plan to sell it, but need to keep it going while I do this nursing degree.

My question to those who have done it:
>Did you have time for part time work?
I’ve had mixed experiences from the two other
people who have done the course.

During theory blocks, it appears very flexible self directed. But I can’t do 40 hours on the wards + some part time work.

How flexible is the theory really? I know placements will be full on with no leeway

I used to be a Director of Clinical Education for a big NHS trust. Part of this was overseeing placements for student nurses at our hospitals but also paying for some of our staff to do various pre-reg nursing degrees at various universities.

I’m assuming you’re completely comfortable you meet the entry requirements. It used to be prior undergrad degree and some healthcare experience but don’t know if that’s changed.

It’s a mammoth undertaking and you’re not going to be cut any slack on either the academic or clinical front. You’ll be expected to meet the same standards of practice as any pre-registration nursing student on placements.

Importantly, the academic work you’ll be submitting will be at Level 7 (MSc) rather than Level 6 (BSc) so it’s a significant step-up in quality required.

The blended approach works really well for self-directed learners so if you are driven, curious and internally motivated, the model will work for you BUT you most certainly will need to do a lot of wider research/reading over and above your online seminars etc and that takes time which it sounds like you will struggle for.

I personally wouldn’t recommend it to someone who has a regular working commitment that forms a significant part of their weekly life. It sounds like what you’ve got on the business side is a lot more than waiting tables or serving coffees like a lot of other students!

If you’ve got any other questions about nursing or pre-reg studies, very happy for you to DM me.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!