Fantastic @councilofdeans webinar with @150Leaders @nmcnews last night and we did manage to stop at 8pm to #ClapForCarers . I wanted to share publicly some of the areas that still need clarity. The @nmcnews working hard to update FAQs [thread]

1. Students have many choices and options during the #COVID19 emergency period. This depends on their profession and year of education.

2. All students may still complete their programme under existing “normal” standards. BUT, in this emergency, the University must consider whether standards can be achieved. In most cases this is unlikely, as we are not in business as usual territory.

3. Any student may defer their programme and complete their studies once the emergency period is over. Their student status will be suspened. Far from ideal in terms of completion and workforce planning but still an option to work out with own University.

4. Any student may defer their programme and undertake paid clinical work (eg. health care support worker) or voluntary clinical work. Education suspended, student status lost, not ideal from education perspective but pragmatic option for some.

5. Now moving to specific year groups -
Year 1: Students may complete their first year with up to 100% in theoretical learning. The required clinical hours will be met across the rest of the programme. Student status maintained.

6. Year 2 and first 6 months of year 3:
Students may spend UP TO 80% of their year in clinical placements, remunerated. They are STILL STUDENTS but supernumerary status is not required and they must be supported, supervised and have protected learning.

7. Students in the final six months of their programme:
May complete their programme in clinical placements, remunerated. They are STILL STUDENTS but supernumerary status is not required and they must be supported, supervised and have protected learning.

8. NURSING students in the final six months of their programme MAY be invited to join the NMC temporary register, when this is available. They will no longer be students and will be remunerated. No involvement with university during the emergency.

Please do not confuse the final 6 months of education on extended remunerated placement with employee status. Students are students, not employees. They are being remunerated if in year 2 or 3 placement as part of their contribution to the emergency.

Why maintaining student status is important:
For the system - workforce planning
For students - education completion, access to grants, loans and bursaries depending on UK country
For universities - continuation of education, workforce flow and planning

I therefore encourage 3rd year students to consider the extended placement option as opposed to suspending study to work as a support worker. 3rd year students should be using their education and expertise in practice in the most effective way.

For students who may be invited to @nmcnews temporary register:
No involvement from University during the emergency period. But university will determine after the emergency period whether clinical experience can contribute towards programme.

For students who may be invited to @nmcnews temporary register: after the emergency their univesrity will ascertain whether all learning outcomes and competencies can be signed off. If not, the student would return to complete studies after the emergency.