on 29/9/06 11:13 pm, Neil Loach at [log in to unmask] wrote:
> -----Original Message-----
> From: neilg.loach [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: 29 September 2006 23:11
> To: 'Occupational Health mailing list'
> Subject: RE: [OCC-HEALTH] NMC
>
> Bob, and list.
>
> The use of the word "expert" brings about another debate.
>
> The RCN competency framework clearly states that an expert needs to have an
> MSc.
>
> What absolute utter bull!
>
> An expert is, according to the Oxford English Dictionary.....
>
> "having special knowledge of or skill in a subject" It does not say you have
> to have studied at masters level and got a fancier gown or a fur lined hat.
>
> Academia gone mad if you ask me. And yes Carol Bannister, I shall be having
> words in Harrogate! What were you thinking!
>
> Neil Loach
> Senior Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner / Operations Manager
> University Hospitals of Leicester
>
Dear Neil and list
Being an expert within the concept of a profession is more than that defined
within the Oxford English Dictionary. It is also more than merely holding a
specific academic qualification. Professional practice experience is
essential too. Holding an MSc/MA does not in itself make the practitioner an
expert. If anything, the more one learns the more one realises the gaps (or
caverns in some areas) in one's knowledge and I am speaking from personal
experience here.
Carol did not write the RCN framework. She was one of many contributors
including, from memory, representatives of the RCN Society of OHNs and OH
Manager's forum. The cover of the RCN document indicates who was involved. I
am sure that not all the contributors had qualifications higher than an OHN
Dip, OHNC, or BSc but have the foresight to look at education and practice
on a continuum particularly in view of the following: Are you aware that
eventually the NMC are likely to open up direct access to the SCPHN register
without first having to be a registered (general) nurse? This would mean
leave school with A levels, enter a programme at 18, undertake a three year
degree and then practice within the OH setting, or possibly within any
public health setting.
Crystal ball gazing reveals worst case scenario: the NMC endorse a step on
step off process. The end point could be complete some extra modules and a
period of extra practice and then be qualified to work as an "all singing
all dancing" school nurse, health visitor and occupational health nurse, and
possibly, in the future, an infection control nurse too. This could occur
after a total of perhaps four-five years of full time study graduating with
a BSc then complete an MSc. This is not currently in place, it would not
mean that the practitioner is an expert as per your reference to the RCN
framework, and it is crystal ball gazing. I am an educator and this is
something with which I would have serious concerns. These are my personal
opinions and they may, or may not, be the stance of my own university.
Anne
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