Social Care Professions

Professional Education and Registration

Throughout my essay I will explain contemporary principles of regulation for professionals practicing within Health and Social Care Sectors.

According to the Royal College of Nursing, to work as a nurse you need to have a degree in nursing and also must be registered with the Nursing Midwifery Council. (Royal College of Nursing 2017) The entry requirements for a nursing degree varies at each university, for the purpose of this essay I will identify the requirements from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). To gain entry into year 1 of adult nursing you must have:

SQA Highers: BBC plus SG/Int2/Nat5 English and Maths. Entry also possible with BC plus UWS ‘first steps to nursing’ module, plus

Nurses should also include individuals by communicating the right information in a way that people understand. When providing care these actions must also be agreed with their patients, families and carers of their patients, and in a way that meets the requirements of their professional bodies and law. The patients in a nurse’s care should have their health and social care needs assessed and reviewed this is to ensure the patients receive the right care and support. Information should be handled confidentially, deal with complaints effectively and are conscious of reporting things that they may be concerned about. Nurses should ensure the wellbeing of their patients by encouraging them to reach their full potential, asking about their lifestyle preferences and aspirations and support the individual to achieve them. As a nurse you must be vigilant about risk and ensure their patients are safe in places where they receive care. Social workers must also do this by adhering to the new national care standards, this includes, to treat everyone in their care with dignity and respect, show compassion and sensitivity in a way that respects all people

To be able to continue practicing as a nurse you are required to 450 hours of registered practice or 900 hours if renewing as a nurse, as well as 35hours of learning activities every three years. This is also a code set in the NMC’s codes ‘22.3 keep your knowledge and skills up to date, take part in appropriate and regular learning and professional development activities that aim to maintain and develop your competence and improve your performance’ (NMC 2008 Pg.17) This is due to treatments, medicines and equipment consistently changing it is paramount that skills and knowledge is kept up to date to ensure all patients receive the best possible care. All nurses must register with the NMC and pay an annual fee of £120.

Social workers must also be ‘accountable for the quality of their work and take responsibility for maintaining and improving their knowledge and skills’ (SSSC 2009 Section 6). All social workers must register with the SSSC every three years as well as paying an annual fee of £30.

Framework and Clinical Governance Within Healthcare Sector

Clinical Governance is a framework within the NHS to ensure that patients are safe and risks are managed. These are codes which everyone must adhere to. By following these codes, the NHS and also the SSSC must ensure their employees are giving the best possible and high standard of care. Clinical