Online course corrects care home myths

Published On Mon 11 Mar 2019 by Grant Hill

A new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the University of Dundee is set to tackle misconceptions around care home nursing and inspire more people to consider a career in the sector.

‘Care Home Nursing: Changing Perceptions’ was developed by the University after receiving funding from the RCN Foundation. The MOOC explores the skills and demands placed upon care home nurses and helps participants understand how vital the work they do is.

Designed for anyone with a personal or professional interest in care home nursing, including the general public, the four-week course is now open for enrolment. It will cover the specialist and complex nature of care home nursing in a changing health and social care environment, the career development, leadership and management skills of care home professionals and collaborative working with residents, families and a variety of other agencies.

Educational Lead Lindsay Dingwall said, “Care homes are vital in meeting the needs of people living with health and social care needs but, despite this, the sector struggles to recruit and retain registered care home nurses. That is partly down to misconceptions of what it is like to work as a care home nurse.

“Participants on this course will improve their knowledge of the skills nurses need to effectively look after care home residents. They will discuss the myths surrounding care homes and the clinical and ethical decisions nurses need to make on a regular basis. They will also hear directly from residents, visitors and nurses to learn more about life in a care home, and look at real-life experiences that demonstrate what a rewarding sector this is to work in.”

‘Care Home Nursing: Changing Perceptions’ was developed through FutureLearn, a digital education platform that enables millions of people around the world to share learning experiences, free of charge, through MOOCS.

Anyone interested in taking part in the course can find out more and sign up here -https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/nursing-care-homes/1.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 384768
Mobile: 07854 953277
Email: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk