Telemedicine conference Flexible education of nursing assistants in ”Studieverkstedet”

Telemedicine conference Contents: Presentation of Edunor AS and myself What is ”Studieverkstedet”? Why ”Studieverkstedet”? What is ” realkompetansevurdering”? Presentation of the model of “Studieverkstedet” and our working methods

Telemedicine conference What is Edunor AS? A limited company totally owned by Troms county council in the Northern part of Norway It's purpose is, amongst other things, to educate adults who didn’t finish their secondary school education when they were younger

Telemedicine conference What is Studieverkstedet ( STV)? A study workshop or learning model suited to adults Taking in to consideration the practice and ”realkompetanse”(work and other practical experience) each person has, which can be adapted to the individuals lifestyle, employment and family obligations Studying in the STV demands a large amount of self discipline and hard work!

Telemedicine conference Why “ studieverkstedet”? Many grown-ups do not want to go to ordinary secondary schools beeing full- time students We also had problems in organizing full classes specially organized for grown- ups on-campus

Telemedicine conference As of March 2003 the Troms County Council mandated that: ” there is to be established a flexible model of learning for adults with rights according to the Law on education. The education will be based on the students previous knowledge, and the education shall be compatible with work and family obligations…..”

Telemedicine conference Challenges are many in the field of care for the old An increasing number of elderly people New users of the health care system ; younger people who want care assistance mainly in their homes Too few nurses An increasing need for medical competence A more active care

Telemedicine conference The aims of the government of Norway (According to St. meld nr : “ Master, possibilities and meaning”) adults shall be educated as assistant nurses with vocational training (“Helsefagarbeidere”) 6000 assistant nurses shall specialize in elderly care or psychiatric care through vocational colleges (“Fagskole”) In addition to these there is a strong need for high school- educated (diploma or degree level) nurses as well

Telemedicine conference Vocational college “Fagskole” 1 year Psychiatric assistant nurse Assistant nurses in elderly care Secondary school 3 years or 2+2 years Assistant nurses High school 3 years Authorised nurses Primary school 10 years The Norwegian educational system to become a nurse:

Telemedicine conference ”Realkompeanse” The competence that a person has achieved throughout their adult life (instead of the school knowledge) through Previous employment experience; voluntary or paid Domestic experience such as having family, children Voluntary participation in organisations Short topic courses

Telemedicine conference ”Realkompetansevurdering”; an estimate of knowledge It makes up the basis of the educational offer to the adult to (be able to) complete a secondary school level of education Each person is invited to an assessment interview about the topics in the particular education plan Afterwards he or she gets a diploma for the topics that are approved, and a document showing which subjects are lacking

Telemedicine conference “Realkompetansevurdering” to become a nurse assistant: The subjects needed when the students have nursing practice are: 1.Th Year Health knowledge approved Social knowledge approved Anatomy not approved 3.Th year Nothing approved 1.Th year Anatomy Health knowledge Social knowledge 2.Th year: Nursing skills Social knowledge 3. year: Nursing skills 2.Th year Nothing approved

Telemedicine conference The flexibility of STV Flexible hours Attendance both daytime and evening

Telemedicine conference Flexibility in choice of topics All topics in the secondary school system may be chosen About % of the students in STV (approximately pr year) want to become nursing assistants My focus is on assistant health workers

Telemedicine conference Flexibility in place In the 4 Edunor centres in Troms At home through your own PC Other places where the group can meet and study together

Telemedicine conference Flexibility in methods Persons who do not have much experience in nursing sick people, and want to become a nursing assistant, are recommended to have ”elevstatus”(student status),- they will also receive training in nursing homes, hospitals etc. during their educational period ( just like young people in the secondary schools)

Telemedicine conference Problem based learning ( PBL) The philosophy of the STV is built on “problem based learning” The students works in groups solving relevant ”cases” according to the studying plan and the topics

Telemedicine conference E-learning platform The students are using our e-learning platform called iMentor for: Getting information Working with and delivering their PBL papers Finding special literature Communicating with other group members or subject supervisors via chat, mail or discussion rooms

Telemedicine conference A social meetingpoint Where they can meet other adults who are studying other topics, have some good discussions, a nice cup of coffee together or ….

Telemedicine conference Who is the student meeting in STV: The student Local coordinator The supervisor/ study instructor The subject supervisor The teacher/ masterOther students Tecnical responsible for the video- conference

Telemedicine conference The student Adults with the right to education under the Norwegian education law (or without rights, but who are willing to pay) Usually they have a lot of practice from nursing, and want a formal education l

Telemedicine conference The supervisor/ study instructor Is always present during opening hours at Edunor Holds an introductory lesson on working in STV the challenge of working in groups how to use a PC How to use our e- learning platform iMentor

Telemedicine conference The subject superviser Designs relevant PBL-cases Guides and controlls the learning process Gives the marks for students who need this

Telemedicine conference The teacher/ master Gives lectures on special topics within the subject The lectures are usually given via videoconferences

Telemedicine conference The coordinator and tecnical responsible for the videoconference Coordinates the activities in STV Invites new students to start Arrange the videoconferences

Telemedicine conference Conclusion “Studieverkstedet” has been evaluated by extern experts, and is found to be a very good model for grown-ups who want to have a formal education and as an alternative to full time studies