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Assignments and Exams for All Students
Assignments and Exams
Please use the menu below to find the necessary information regarding the requirements of the School of Nursing & Midwifery in relation to assignments, exams, academic writing and referencing. These are University Resources to Support your Writing.
- SONM Plagiarism Policy and Assignment Cover Sheet 2024-2025
- Table of Contents
- SONM-Before Submitting Your Assignment
- Referencing Guidelines
- Academic Writing Guidelines
- Glossary of Terms for Assignments and Examinations Use
- Mark Bands and Grade Descriptors
- Guide to Examinations for Staff and Students updated March 2023
*School of Nursing and Midwifery (SoNM) students should adhere to the UCC Book of Modules and Marks and Standards to identify the passing rate for their modules and programmes. Students should refer to the SoNM grade descriptors.
Students must reference according to the Harvard Referencing Style, there are variations and interpretations within the Harvard referencing style. However, students must conform to a style that is consistent through their work and be guided by resources available from UCC Library (NCI Library Referencing Guide) and UCC assignment essentials guide in line with programme requirements. It is important that students cite sources according to a Harvard style and these references provide evidence to support writing and demonstrate wider reading relevant to the topic.
The UCC Skills Centre provides workshops on topics like how to approach an assignment, taking notes, academic writing, critical thinking, etc.
Student Policies
The School of Nursing and Midwifery adheres to the UCC policies and procedures (ie Academic Integrity, Plagiarism, Student Charter). Click UCC Student Policies to view the information.
Disability Support Services UCC - information
Nursing and Midwifery programmes are identified under the UCC Department of Academic Affairs and Governance as subject to Fitness and Practice.
Each year of the programme students will be asked to make a declaration (self-disclosure form) as to any concerns you may have as to you own Fitness to Practise that arises from a health and/or a criminal matter. FTP criminal matters are addressed through student Garda Vetting.
If you have indicated a health concern, your self-declaration at registration will trigger an email which will take you though the next step and you will be asked to complete an online self-disclosure form. This email will be a system generated email from ITS.iEnabler.System@mail3.ucc.ie (a no reply address). If you have made a self-declaration at registration and have not received the email or wish to make a declaration at any time during your studies, please contact your UCC School who will be able to assist you with your query.
Many people with health conditions or disabilities or specific learning difficulties are able to practise with or without adjustments to support their practise and are legally supported in this by the Equal Status Act 2000 – 2015. By declaring a Fitness to Practise health concern, we can ensure that, where possible, the University will make reasonable accommodation to support you during your studies.
The Disability Support Service can also advise on what reasonable accommodations may be provided when a student begins a programme subject to UCC’s Fitness to Practice policy.
You may also wish to check out the UCC Student Supports Available.
Neurodivergence in the Clinical Placement setting
According to Cosshall (2020,p30) “every organisation will already include a probably large but hidden neurodiverse population”.
RCN (2014) claim Neurodiversity' is a phrase first introduced in the 1980’s by Judy Singer.
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe a range of neurological differences including:
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia (also called Developmental Coordination Disorder, or DCD)
- Dyscalculia
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
These conditions very often co-occur and many symptoms overlap.
Neurodiversity refers to a variations in the way the brain functions; it can manifest in mood, behaviour and other cognitive functions.
Neurodiverse groups may be more highly represented in Health and Social care Professions than the general population.
There are many strengths in neurodiversity, such as problem solving skills, difference ways of thinking, empathy, creativity and are very often practically strong.
At the heart of neurodiversity is the idea that individual differences are not weaknesses, but that society imposes expectations based on a majority neurotypical population. When not met, this can lead to challenges.
Workplaces are mainly designed to suit the 90% of the population who are neurotypical. Rather than attempting to change neurodivergent individuals to fit with the workplace, we need to be supporting them to be the best health care professionals they can be.
There are many reasons that inclusive and diverse workforces are something to strive for. We all have different skills and experiences that can enrich workplaces. Good employment practices ensure we can access their talents.
Neurodivergent individuals are often attracted to nursing and other health care professions because of their inherent qualities, for example being good team workers, caring and compassionate, resilient, determined, creative and see different perspectives. Neurodiverse individuals often have strengths in problem solving, are empathetic and can view things differently. Identifying and developing all these strengths will bring benefits to workforce teams.
Some key points to remember:
What works will be different for each individual.
As many people have more than one neurodivergent condition, effects may overlap and therefore a variety of strategies and adjustments may be required.
Many of the divergent conditions are part of a spectrum and therefore people may not experience all of the difficulties or may do so at different levels and at different times.
In many cases the neuro divergent nurse is the best person to know what will work for them, along with accommodations from diagnostic reports.
Nurses still need to meet all the professional requirements to be safe and effective practitioners and meet standards of competency.
The following link to the RCN is the source of the above information, where you will find very helpful information in relation to reasonable accommodations that can be put into Clinical Practice for both staff and students
The School of Nursing and Midwifery, Student Disability Support Officer is Caroline Egan caroline.egan@ucc.ie who also links very closely with DSS and the Clinical Placements.