6 The importance of studying nursing
The standards for nursing education are set out by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), which you learnt about in Section 5. This is so that wherever the student undertakes their course across the UK they meet the same standards. In the UK, when student nurses undertake their courses, they study the theory of nursing, the theory of how to care, and theories of the best way to nurse. This theory element makes up 50 per cent of the course, with the remainder taking place in practice or placement settings so students can learn and develop their nursing skills and knowledge whilst on the job.
The theory element of nursing study may take place at a distance, face to face, or a mixture or blend of both. The subjects studied on nursing courses are specifically applied to care and build the knowledge nurses need to deliver good care.
They include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Nursing theories
- Politics and social policy.