Dutch taught Programme
A multifaceted professional field
Along with doctors, nurses are among the most important professionals in health care. The days when nurses primarily had a nursing and caring role are long gone. In today's health care institutions nurses work with the most advanced equipment, they are involved with innovative treatment plans, they direct care and, as trendwatchers, must monitor health risks both for individuals and groups and take (preventative) action (this is also called public health).
Of course, the task of caring for sick or injured people still remains. Offering a comforting word, reassuring someone, listening and offering help. This could be in the Netherlands but also abroad: for example in advanced health care institutions in Western countries, in primitive field hospitals in developing countries, or as a member of Médecins Sans Frontières in war zones. Specialised or generalist, more technical or slightly 'softer': as a nurse you can literally and figuratively do just about anything.
A practical education
Students who choose the School of Nursing in Groningen learn the profession with a strong emphasis on the practical side. Right from the beginning they work in small groups on practical projects, for example in our own skills labs or hospital rooms where clinical practice is replicated as far as possible. This means that students develop into independent, critical professionals: they are up to date with the latest scientific and social knowledge in their field of study.
Students learn to conduct critical analysis, then adopt a standpoint on which to base further (treatment) actions: this is called Evidence Based Practice. The School of Nursing works in conjunction with the School of Health Care Studies, where students are trained for other paramedical professions. So in the study programme they are familiarised with these professions – an experience which undoubtedly comes in handy in their later careers.
International cooperation
Nursing is an extremely international professional field. The School of Nursing therefore places great emphasis on international cooperation. Consequently, in the next few years, we want to create more work placements abroad for our students and attract more international students to our programme. Which is why, in cooperation with our partners in Germany and England, we are developing an English-language curriculum. We also want to include more foreign literature in our study programme, produce more theses on international themes and intensify our participation in exchange programmes.
Further study after the bachelor programme
If students wish to continue their studies after completing the programme, Hanze University Groningen offers a masters degree in Advanced Nursing Practice. Entrance to this masters programme is possible for applicants with a Bachelor of Nursing diploma and at least four years' work experience. There is also the option to choose an advanced academic university programme. Hanze University Groningen has a good conversion programme which makes it possible to transfer to Health Care Studies, Psychology, Education or Sociology at the University of Groningen.