PhD Study : An investigation of nurse student recruitment and selection

Summary

There is growing evidence that the education of nurses to bachelor degree is having a positive impact on the clinical outcomes of in-hospital patients.  Aiken et al.’s (2014) research in nine European countries has found that every 10% increase in bachelor's degree nurses in the staffing of hospital wards, is associated with a 7% decrease in the likelihood of a patient dying within 30 days. In the current fiscal climate and rising clinical demand, there is a requirement to deliver on evidence to inform the recruitment and selection of nursing students.  Universities across the UK, and worldwide are using different criteria and methods for the selection of student nurses (Willis Commission, 2012).  Catalysts for enhancing recruitment and selection processes include increasing diversity in pathways to nursing and attrition rates (Cameron et al., 2011), tutor dissatisfaction with entrants and high profile failures in professionalism, compassion and competence (Francis, 2013), and the centrality of effective interpersonal skills for delivery of high quality health care (Silverman et al., 2013).

Aim:  The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of current recruitment and selection processes for the pre-registration BSc (Hons) Nursing programmes at Ulster University.  In order to achieve this, there are four objectives:

1)To conduct a systematic review of selection processes to BSc (Hons) Pre-registration Nursing Programmes;

2)To review the demographics and entry routes of applicants for pre-registration nursing programmes at Ulster University across three cohorts;

3)To investigate the relationships between UCAS tariff points, personal statement score, personal interview scores and academic performance and progression in each year of the programme;

4)To identify predictors to acceptance to NMC register.

Design and methods: A descriptive retrospective cohort design across three cohorts will be utilised in this study.  Data will be mined from Life and Health Faculty electronic records pertaining to UCAS tariff points, personal statement scores and interview scores. Data pertaining to academic performance, programme progression, attendance and retention will be retrieved from School of Nursing and Faculty records.  Approval has been attained for this study from Ethics Filter Committee of Institute of Nursing and Health Research.

Data analysis: Descriptive and statistical analysis of quantitative data, utilising SPSS software package.

Skills required of applicant: The successful applicant should be from a nursing and/or allied health professional background, and be familiar with research.  Excellent oral and written communication skills is an essential requirement.  Experience is using SPSS to manage and analyse quantitative data would be advantageous.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living