Topic: Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) – Entry Criteria for Post Graduate Diploma in Nursing
Order Description
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) (Entry Criteria)
Post Graduate Diploma in Nursing
Introduction
This guide provides you with information on the APL process and the assessment requirements for APL (theory) as entry criteria to the Post Graduate Diploma (PGDip) in Nursing Programme.
APL (theory) claim is made for entry to the programme.
It is assessed at level 6 (degree)
You will be required to provide evidence of prior learning against the learning outcomes summarized in the APL framework below:
Rationale
Relationships are central to the development and maintenance of effective partnership working with service users, carers and families in health and social care contexts. Nurses need to have an awareness of how health is inextricably linked to and bound up with social divisions, economic disparities, the physical environment and individual psychological factors.
In developing your role and identity as a professional nurse in your chosen field of practice it is important that you are able to develop your understanding of the centrality of relationships; develop your knowledge and sense of identity as a student and as a reflective and independent learner and understand how the health needs of individuals, families and communities are generated.
To demonstrate prior learning in relation to:
Knowledge and Understanding
-An understanding of how culture, religion, spiritual beliefs, gender and sexuality can impact on illness and disability
-An understanding of the importance of effective collaborative, group and team working in professional practice
Skills
-Identify strategies to enhance communication with service users from a variety of backgrounds
-Is able to discuss the importance of self-awareness, the ability to work independently and in groups
-Is able to discuss the importance of establishing and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries in the therapeutic relationship
-Is able to manage own learning and find resources with minimum guidance
Values and attitudes
-Demonstrates self-awareness and recognizes how own values, principles and assumptions may affect practice
-Demonstrate awareness of the need to act in a manner that is attentive, kind, sensitive, compassionate and non-discriminatory, that values diversity and acts within professional boundaries
-Demonstrates understanding of the need to respect the ideas and contributions of others when working collaboratively and across professional boundaries
-Identify a variety of perspectives that underpin the evidence base for practice
Assessment
You will be required to demonstrate evidence of your prior learning and will be assessed at academic level 6 (Degree).
Challenge Assignment
This assessment will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the factors that impact on health and illness.
Using examples from your own experience and using literature and theory to support your writing, write a 1000 – 1500 word essay to demonstrate your understanding of how health is linked to social divisions, economic disparities, the physical environment and individual psychological factors.
Assessment criteria
The following criteria will be used to identify if you have met the learning outcomes for the APL Claim.
1000-1500 words:
Discuss the definitions and determinants of health
Identify and discuss the key issues with reference to social divisions; economic disparity; the environment and individual psychological factors and discuss how these can impact on health
Identify examples from own experience to support discussions
Aspects for comment:
Produce an organized and structured account that is clearly structured, grammatically correct and uses formal/academic language
Use an established referencing system and use relevant references that reflect depth and breadth of reading.
Planning your APL essay
Below is guidance on completing your APL essay
The assessment criteria:
These are descriptions based on the learning outcomes, of the skills, knowledge or attributes you need to demonstrate in order to complete the assessment successfully.
In making decisions about the APL submission we also follow this guidance from the University APL policy:
Acceptability: is there an appropriate match between the evidence presented and the learning being demonstrated? Is the evidence valid and reliable?
Sufficiency: is there sufficient evidence to demonstrate fully the achievement of the learning claimed?
Authenticity: is the evidence clearly related to the applicant’s own efforts and achievements?
Currency: does the evidence relate to current learning? Does it meet the requirements of professional, statutory of regulatory bodies, including any time limits for currency of evidence, certification, or demonstration of learning?
Level: is the level of achievement sufficient to allow progression to the programme being applied for?
Outstanding Grade-related Criteria
Work that demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of the subject area and addresses the learning outcomes/assessment criteria in full. Where relevant, it will show evidence of independent reading, thinking and analysis. It will be well-constructed and demonstrate a professional approach to academic practice. It will be of a professional standard.
Presentational Aspects
Please double space text and do not use a font less than size 11. All pages should be numbered.
Breaking Confidentiality
In all assessed work (coursework, assignments, examinations, clinical assessment (please see exception below), clinical profiles/workbooks etc.) you must comply with the following to protect confidentiality:
All clients/patients, relatives, members of staff (except where assessors are required to sign their name) and peers are to be referred to by a pseudonym.
The use of pseudonyms should be made explicit through a statement such as “Pseudonyms have been used in order to protect the confidentiality of the identity of individuals referred to in the assessment (except assessors who are required to sign their names).” Personal details such as address, hospital number, G.P. etc. must not be given for any reason.
If the name of the work place or any personal details of any client/patient, relative, member of staff (except clinical assessors) or peer has been given in an assessment, this assessment will automatically be recorded as 0 for breach of confidentiality. Your resubmission will then be regarded as a second attempt.
Word Count
For this assignment there is a 10% leeway on the word count.
