NVQ or VN degree? HELP!!

Re: NVQ or VN degree? HELP!!

Nick Shackleton — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:35:38 GMT

I did the NVQ route,as BSc wasn't availible when I trained. I think even if it had been available I wouldnt of down it. At the end of the day you can always do the 'top up' degree. Plenty of universities/colleges offer it part time or via distance learning. Good luck with the nursing carrer........

Re: NVQ or VN degree? HELP!!

Fleabee99 — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:47:00 GMT

thanks to everyone whos replied but i have decided to go for the NVQ route as i would very much prefer to do the practical training after spending the last three years doing alevels at a desk, i am doing very well at finding the odd interview and plenty of work experience so i am hopeful that if i continue the way i am i will come across something eventually so once again thank you to everyone who has helped its very much appreciated =)

thanks! xx

Re: NVQ or VN degree? HELP!!

Noodle — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:17:10 GMT

From an out of work SVN point of view , I have found it hard to find a position at a TP, and I don't think I'm the only one struggling, so if you try, and fail to get a position, then I would say bote the bullet and go to uni! I gather it is much easier to find employment as a RVN

Good luck though - I really hope you find a TP place

Re: NVQ or VN degree? HELP!!

Fiona Leathers — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:14:41 GMT

When I look for a nurse I would certainly look at where they have trained and nurses up here either go to Telford (NVQ) or Napier (degree) - almost every time I would say that the Telford nurses are better all round BUT it is very much dependant on the nurse.

On that experience, I would probably choose an NVQ student over a degree, if everything else was the same. I am not dissing the degree route - everyone wants different things out of their qualification - but I would go for an NVQ student.

I have trained students from both courses and have found that the support from the NVQ far bettered the uni route support.

Re: NVQ or VN degree? HELP!!

Steph Worsley — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:32:48 GMT

I did the NVQ route and worked alongside someone during training who was doing the degree route, personally I felt I had more practical skills and think it made me a better nurse, I was trusted to position for xrays on my own where as the other girl wasnt etc.

As a previous head nurse I too would prefer to see the practical skills rather than a degree.....just beause you can get a degree and have the theory doesnt mean you can do the job. Some degree nurses also come out thinking they can go straight into a head nurse or practice manager job which isn't a good outlook.

Re: NVQ or VN degree? HELP!!

Fleabee99 — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:00:45 GMT

perfect! thank you very much to both of you as you're both exactly the people i needed answers from, and yeh you got it straight in one i would rather do the NVQ practical side of it, i just wanted to make sure it was the best path as i did have the chance at one time to go to harper adams but turned it down and wondered whether it might have been a mistake but no i am happy now i would rather do the NVQ and possibly the long distance degree in the future, currently looking forward to doing the national diploma for veterinary care assistants just to get myself started =)

thanks again to both of you!! =D

Re: NVQ or VN degree? HELP!!

katy coleman — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:24:52 GMT

hi sarah, i am one of the ones you sent CV to.

Personally when i'm looking for nurse I would rather see the practical experience of nvq than the degree as nursing is mainly practical. When you qualify if you feel you want to take it further and do degree then obviously you can but its not neccessary to be a good nurse.

thats just my opinion, hope this helps.

Re: NVQ or VN degree? HELP!!

lskm 23 — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:25:58 GMT

Im not an employer but have done the degree. I sometimes felt I didnt have the practical experience of other nurses when I first qualified but now dont feel its a problem. If you can find a placement then I would go for what your heart says and from reading this it sounds like you would rather get stuck into the practicle side of things. If your bored of being in the classroom, I think you might find that you feel like dropping out and its and expensive journey to take if you might not complete it. Good luck in what ever decision you make

Re: NVQ or VN degree? HELP!!

Fleabee99 — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:52:41 GMT

please help, advice on working in a training practice first and then doing the long distance degree would be greatly appreciated as like i said i would prefer to train initially on the job as up til last year (19years old) id been sat in classrooms mon fri since i was 4 =| which grates abit lol so a general idea of how employers react to the long distance degree after the NVQ,

thank you =)