Assimilating nursing: knowledge and theory
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You will study this module as part of our BSc (Honours) Nursing (Adult) in partnership with the University of the West of England.
It assimilates nursing theory and practice, prior to Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration. The module is delivered using an enquiry-based learning approach. This is an interactive and engaging approach covering a range of interesting topics which focuses on increasing your depth of knowledge and understanding on topics such as, end-of-life care, public health, acute care, long term conditions and leadership and change management.
What you will study
You will study 4 blocks of learning covering a range of topics including those listed below.
Block 1 – Global public health and long-term conditions, including:
- Global and local perspectives of public health, health policy and healthy communities, digital health and health literacy.
- Human development across the lifecourse and related theories.
- Biopsychosocial aetiology, pathophysiology, salutogenesis vs pathogenesis of caring for long term conditions (and co-morbidity).
- Service user vulnerability and acknowledging the service user's voice and choice in care.
Block 2 – Being an accountable professional and delivering ethical care, including:
- Legal issues in healthcare, for example, consent, competency and capacity.
- Rights participation and advocacy, including the Mental Health Act and legal issues.
- Delivering ethical care, including at the end of life.
- Inclusion, equity and discrimination.
- Transitioning from student to registrant, for example, reflection, emotional intelligence, resilience, professionalism, and revalidation.
Block 3 – Acute and managing Long Term Conditions, including:
- Assessment and management of self-harm, suicide, acutely ill child/adult, learning disability, and complex needs.
- Managing the deteriorating patient, acute care and home treatment.
- Critical appraisal of the evidence.
- Pharmacology and management of care, including substance misuse, and concordance.
Block 4 – Leadership and management and change management, including:
- Autonomous decision making, empowerment and care co-ordination.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Teamwork and leadership, power and influence, and conflict resolution.
- Service improvement and quality assurance measures (for example, change management).
- Major project on an area of service improvement.
Professional recognition
For students pursuing the BSc (Honours) Nursing (R39), this module is one of a set that together lead to the professional qualification of Registered Nurse (Part 1: NMC).
Entry requirements
You’ll need to be registered on our BSc (Honours) Nursing (Adult) in partnership with the University of the West of England to study this module, and have:
- satisfied the entry requirements for the qualification
- normally completed the following OU level 1 modules: Introducing health and social care (KYE102) and Introduction to healthcare practice (KYE104), and the OU level 2 modules Understanding nursing: knowledge and theory (KYE210), and Developing nursing practice (KYE211) or demonstrate equivalent.
- met the NMC entry requirements; demonstrated good character and health status through self-declaration; enhanced criminal disclosure; occupational health screening; review of previous sickness and absence; two references, including one from your current employer.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an
adviser.
What's included
Online learning materials and resources. You will have access to a module website, through which teaching and library resources are available that provide links to current information and relevant research-based materials relating to module content.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.