Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for medical, nursing and midwifery students

Overview

We have heard from many of you asking how you can support services during this time and in response we have worked collaboratively with NMC, Royal Colleges, Council of Deans of Health, GMC, NHS Education Scotland (NES), Medical Schools, the Statutory Education bodies and respective Government departments of the four nations, and staff side representatives to consider how best to support utilisation of your skills and expertise in the safest possible way. This guidance takes into account developments and collaboration across the UK and has been endorsed by the partners listed above.

It is important that we recognise the different experience and skills of students depending on the point of their journey through their studies. This guide therefore provides:

• A summary of the position and options for nursing and midwifery students in:
  • the first year of their pre-registration programme;
  • the second year (and third year for 4-year honours students) or early stages of the final year of pre-registration programme and postgraduate students;
  • the last 6 months of their pre-registration programme.
• A summary of the position and options for medical students who are in:
  • the first and second years of their undergraduate programme;
  • the third and fourth year of their undergraduate programme (and those in 5^th year where an intercalated year has been taken);
  • the process of completing their final year and have graduated or are ready to graduate.
• A set of more general frequently asked questions aimed at nursing and midwifery students, elements of which may also be of interest to medical students.