Enrolled Nurse Conversion Courses

26-Sep-2009 1:56 am

I too am an enrolled nurse working for the NHS. I have tried many sources to find a suitable route to convert to level 1 nursing and the answer from universities is that I would have to do a further two years as a student nurse in order to convert - there are also funding issues as trusts are unlikely to fund an already qualified nurse. The NMC takes the short term view that as they have already stated that level 2 nurses (enrolled nurses) should be treated the same regarding wages etc as level 1 nurses and therefore there isn't an issue. However they fail to mention that remaining at level 2 rules out chances of promotion. If you find a route to convert whilst working I would love to hear it.

27-Sep-2009 1:00 pm

The university of the West of Scotland , Paisley campus still runs a conversion course, but this will discontinue in a few years. Tel: 0141 848 3000 and ask to be put throught to Mary Milligan the course co-ordinator. Good luck.
P.S The course can be done by distance learning and its worth doing.

25-Oct-2009 8:25 pm

I to under took a conversion course 2005 through the university of salford the reading material alone cost nearly £1000 which if my trust had not payed for I would not of been able to complete. Even though at times it was hard and a ball ache at the end of the course I felt I had achieved some thing, and all job opportunities that I can now apply for without fear of rejection. I hope you find what you are looking for and complete your goals as I did. I have also got the material to under take the conversion course which I am currently selling. Which ever path you take I hope you achieve it good luck

27-Oct-2009 1:55 pm

Just a quick update - emailed Glamorgan and West Scotland including one to Mary Millington but got no reply. Salford doesn't do the course any more so I am back to square one. It really is ridiculous that an opportunity to convert is not out there - I really don't want to go back and repeat two years as a student nurse - but that seems to be the only option that is available - impossible for me with a morgage and family to support.

6-Nov-2009 11:45 am

You can also continue nursing by involving in other nursing courses. There are lots of nursing courses available. Check it out over here – nursingschoolsu(dot)com

16-Nov-2009 6:10 pm

I too am a level 2 registered nurse (as the NMC please to call us enrolled nurses now) working in the nhs. You can gian 120 credits to enable you to access degree level modules via the APEL route at most universities I believe. According to the NMC this will then make you the same as anyone on Level 1 and entitle you to the same pay and job opportunities, although you will not be on level 1 of the register. I have done this through Plymouth uni and have just completed a post reg. degree. Due to the confusion which still appears to exist however, I am now thinking of converting. Glamorgan do run a course and the next to start is in December.

20-Nov-2009 6:24 pm

I couldn't agree more, I feel just the same. I too am starting to wonder if I'm imagening the confusion and need to undertake conversion. I am going to fund my own conversion (if I can find a suitable one), I don't agree with this but as you so rightly say no one will pay if not to there benefit, which is very shortsighted as it probably would benefit our employers. This is made all the more difficult as we didn't pay for our training in the first place and now they say we should do this!!I have a place on the course in Glamorgan but unfortunately cannot now attend, so am faced with finding another. I believe Worcester are running one soon. I would be interested to know where in the country you work?

23-Nov-2009 6:43 pm

Hi Borogirl

I don't understand why you think it costs £7,500, it should be somewhere around £3,000. Obviously there will be travelling and accomodation too, but I can't see how it would cost that.

I am very interested in a course in England but it very much depends where, as Glamorgan is quite a trek for me too.

Which is your local uni?

24-Nov-2009 9:31 pm

HI Borogirl

Thanks for that, I live in Devon so Teeside too far for me to travel. Funny about Glamorgan, as I too live in England that is not the price I was quoted. I too will need a distance course, as Glamorgan is, except for the compulsary week at the begining. If you hear of anything please post here.
I'm sure there must be plenty of people in the same situation as us.

24-Nov-2009 10:01 pm

I will ring them tomorrow do you have their number - I contacted them by email.