A nursing course at the University of Cumbria has been given the stamp of approval by the Royal College of Nursing.
The Professional Nurse Advocate programme has been accredited by the RCN following a rigorous process, successfully recognising its high educational standards.
Nursing academics within the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Health have spent the last 12 months completing the process to secure the RCN accreditation.
As part of long-term NHS development plans, national targets are for one in every 20 nurses to hold the PNA qualification.
The Level 7 PNA course is delivered online and is part of a suite of continuing professional development programmes for nurses and allied health professionals delivered by the University of Cumbria.
The University of Cumbria also runs similar Professional Advocate courses for professionals working in other healthcare areas including midwifery, allied health professions, and paramedics.
Senior lecturer Shirley Bamigbade devised the University of Cumbria Institute of Health’s PNA programme three years ago.
She said: “The PNA was developed at a national level after Covid because of the impact that it had on nurses. Now there is a drive to upskill many in the sector so there are professional advocates in the workplace helping to support individuals with things that may impact on their work.
“Securing accreditation from the RCN is a stamp of approval that demonstrates that our course meets high educational standards. It has been designed to align closely to the requirements of the nursing sector.”
Over the last year the detailed accreditation process has included scrutiny of the programme, its ethos, aims and outcomes, accessibility and value, to both the student in preparedness for real-world challenges they may face and to their organisations.
Curriculum design, teaching and learning approaches, content, resources and student feedback have also been foci for assessors as was ensuring it was clearly demonstrated that the University of Cumbria PNA programme aligns to both the NHS for England framework and the RCN standards.
Professor Karen Stansfield, Dean of the Institute of Health at the University of Cumbria, said: “We are delighted to receive this RCN accreditation for our PNA programme and recognise the dedication of the academic and professional services team that has worked on securing it.
“This important accreditation from the RCN demonstrates quality and professionalism in our nursing education.
“It also offers assurance of the standards of education delivered to our students and graduates who go on to serve in our communities, supporting patients.”
The accreditation is in place for three years before a reassessment takes place.
