National charity Epilepsy Action is again calling all nurses who want training in epilepsy care. The charity is offering a number of training grants to help fund nurses through a Professional Diploma in Epilepsy Care.
The Professional Diploma is run by Leeds Metropolitan University. The course offers professionals an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills to enhance their everyday practice. The bursary is in memory of epilepsy specialist nurse, Nicola Pickard, who died in 2008. Nicola was very passionate about helping people with epilepsy throughout her professional life. The bursary scheme is supported through an educational grant from medical device company Cyberonics. So far, the scheme has made it possible for 10 nurses to study for the diploma.
The training will earn nurses a professional diploma in epilepsy care. The course helps nurses to gain further knowledge, skills and understanding of people living with epilepsy. It focuses specifically on the diagnosis of the condition and the most common social and psychological issues surrounding it. It also includes the issues which are most important to people with epilepsy and their families.
Nurses can apply for a grant of £600 towards the cost of the course, which costs £800. Applicants must be qualified nurses who have some experience working with people with epilepsy. Epilepsy Action particularly welcomes applications from nurses who wish to develop the skills and knowledge to work as an epilepsy specialist nurse. For all applications, the nurse must provide a letter from his/her line manager stating that funding for the training is not available from their trust.
Margaret Rawnsley at Epilepsy Action, said: "Trained specialist nurses are central to the care of people with epilepsy and epilepsy specialist nurses are valued enormously by their patients. We are pleased to be able to offer this grant to help increase the number of trained nurses. This is especially at a time when nurses may need a little extra help to pay for their training.”
Two grants are awarded twice each year. The latest round of applications closes on 8 September. Applicants will be notified if they have been successful by the end of October.
For more information, or for an application form, please contact Margaret Rawnsley on 0113 210 8800 or email sapphire@epilepsy.org.uk Details of the course can be obtained from the course administrator on 0113 812 5918.