Student Guide to POLO

School of Healthcare Sciences
Ysgol Gwyddorau Gofal Iechyd
Bachelor of Nursing (Hons)
Practice Optional Learning Opportunity (POLO)
Student Guide
POLO Leads:
Beverley Johnson
Andrew Santos
Room 2.19 Ty Dewi Sant
 johnsonba@cf.ac.uk
santosA1@cf.ac.uk
Dedicated POLO e-mail – HCAREpolo@cf.ac.uk

POLO Student Guide JB 08.10.14
2
CONTENTS Page no.
Overview of POLO 3
POLO options 4
Criteria 4
How to apply 5
Scholarship 6
Preparation for POLO 6
During POLO 7
After POLO 7
Further information 8
Using agencies and organisations 8
Appendix 1 POLO flow chart 10
Appendix 2 Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
Appendix 3 Descriptors of practice level and clinical decision making
flow chart
12
14

3
1. OVERVIEW OF PRACTICE OPTIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITY (POLO)
The School recognises the need for nurses working with modern healthcare systems to
have experiences of practice across the UK and internationally. Within the second year
you will have an opportunity to undertake a practice learning opportunity of no more than
4 weeks duration1
outside the usual practice learning opportunity partners. This
experience can be carried out in an appropriate health care setting either within Wales,
the UK or overseas.
Individual growth and developing an outward looking focus is about opportunity. 'Cross
boundary' experience can offer students opportunities to learn and grow, to challenge
themselves, stretch their limits and foster an appreciation of the discipline of nursing and
anthropology, knowledge of other cultures and an insight into the multifaceted context of
healthcare.
The practice opportunity will not be summatively assessed2
; neither will it be linked with the
achievement of clinical competencies. The purpose of the practice optional learning
opportunity (POLO) will be for you to experience field-based learning where you can observe
healthcare and its delivery in an organisation outside what is available throughout the rest of
the programme, as well as further develop cultural awareness.
The practice opportunity will normally be observational and you will be required to reflect on
the experience through an entry into your portfolio of not more than 1,000 words. The entry
should reflect on achievement of the following learning objectives:
The learning objectives are:
1. To broaden your knowledge and understanding of the provision of healthcare, to a
diverse group of people and critically discuss differences delivered outside the usual
practice learning opportunity partners in South East Wales;
2. To reflect on issues pertinent to the provision of culturally sensitive nursing care.
You will arrange the experience with the support of the School to ensure the appropriateness
of the experience and that the learning objectives can be achieved.
No area will be used until the School has received a guarantee of quality assurances and
that, health and safety standards and student support are in place3
. Nominated individuals
in the hosting organisation will receive information from the School detailing expectations
and key contacts. When on placements students are owed a duty of care by the placement
provider.
You will be allocated a hub area within an existing practice learning opportunity partner as it
is anticipated that not all of you will choose the POLO option. This will also provide a safe
guard if you for, whatever reason, cannot take up the opportunity at short notice. Students
who wish to take advantage of the practice optional learning opportunity would spend at
least two consecutive weeks in their hub and up to four weeks in their selected practice
1
NMC (2010)Standards for pre-registration nursing education R5.3.7,R5.3.8
2
NMC (2010)Standards for pre-registration nursing education R5.3.7 G5.3.8b
3
CU (2012) Code of Practice on Placement Learning

4
learning opportunity. This is during year 2, Practice Learning Opportunity 4 (programme
weeks 24 – 29).
2. POLO OPTIONS
There are four POLO options (all are field specific):
Option 1, School contracted overseas
The hosting organisation is located overseas. This will entail international travel to a
destination where the School has a pre-arranged memorandum of agreement (MOA).
Where a MOA exists students will be able to, under direct supervision, participate in care
within their level of competence and confidence equal to year 1, level 4 (please see
Appendix 3).
Option 2, Student choice overseas
The hosting organisation is located overseas. This will entail international travel to a
destination where the School does not have a pre-arranged memorandum of agreement and
this experience will be entirely observational.
Option 3, Student choice within the United Kingdom (UK)
The hosting organisation is based in the UK and you will remain in the UK for the duration of
the POLO period. This will entail travel to a destination where the School does not have a
pre-arranged memorandum of agreement. Dependent upon the host organisation policy the
students may be able to, under direct supervision, participate in care within their level of
competence and confidence equal to year 1, level 4 (please see Appendix 3).
Option 4, Stay in Field scheduled hub
You do not intend to take the opportunity and will therefore remain in the prescheduled hub
area.
For options 1-3 you will need to complete an application form (see Section 3.2). This is not
required for option 4.
3. POLO PROCESS
3.1 Criteria
To apply for this POLO there are specific criteria that you must meet:
 You should have progressed to year 2 with no outstanding assessments as per
schedule.
 You should have retrieved any outstanding theory or clinical hours.
 You have discussed your intention and choice with your personal tutor.
 POLO will be wholly funded by you. When calculating costs you must consider
accommodation, travel and daily living costs and insurance.

5
 You are required to take responsibility for organising the visit but will receive support
from the POLO lead.
 Prepared yourself for international travel by visiting the CU information on study
abroad and the Foreign Office travel advice web site.
https://www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
3.2 How To Apply
This applies to POLO options 1, 2 and 3. There is a specific application form (see Section
4) and application process. A flow chart has been designed to guide you through the
application process (see appendix 1).
3.3 Preparation for Application
 You must ensure you meet with your Personal Tutor (PT) to discuss the POLO
options and your clinical/ academic progress.
 You should investigate associated costs and travel and consider scholarships
external to the School.
 You will make initial contact with organisation with whom you wish to undertake
POLO before the start of year 2.
 You need to send to the host organisation a personal introductory letter together with
an introductory verification letter from the School (see appendix 2 for a sample of the
School letter). This letter on headed paper is available in Student Materials POLO
folder).
 You may send your introductory letters to more than one organisation.
 When you receive confirmation from the host organisation that they will
accommodate your visit, you then proceed with the School application form.
4. THE APPLICATION
Only one application is permitted. POLO Options 1 and 2 must be made on the same form.
 The application form is available in student materials within the specific POLO folder.
 Your application includes a 1000 word proposal for selection. Here you specify how
this opportunity will broaden your understanding of health care organisation and
delivery.
 If going to POLO outside the UK (options 1 and 2), you will be able to apply for a
prestigious School scholarship (see Section 6).
 You are also required to complete the health and safety tripartite agreement form.
 E-mail your 2 completed forms to the POLO address (HCAREpolo@cf.ac.uk) by the
end of programme week 1 of year 2. Late applications will not normally be
considered.
 You will be informed of the outcome of your application following consideration by the
POLO assessment panel.

6
5. RISK ASSESSMENT AND HEALTH AND SAFETY
Your application is agreed in principle until all health and safety checks have been
completed and are deemed satisfactory. Then a Cardiff University insurance form will be
completed for you by the School four weeks prior to your placement start date. You are
required to confirm to the POLO Lead that the contact details on the application form remain
correct and your departure checklist is complete.
N.B If for any reason you are not able to undertake your POLO, you must, at the
earliest opportunity, contact your PT and POLO Lead.
6. SCHOLARSHIP
The School has limited travel scholarship funds, however all students applying for Options 1
and 2 (overseas) are eligible to apply. The award of scholarships will be undertaken by the
POLO panel. Your application proposal (section 4 on the application form),
academic/clinical progress (year 1), participation in School and University citizenship and
personal tutor reference will be used to score your application and determine the award of a
scholarship.
In the instance where you are awarded a scholarship but decide not to undertake the
arranged POLO, you will normally be required to return all scholarship funds awarded.
Independent of the school you can investigate and apply for external funding e.g from RCN,
Cavell Nurses Trust or other charitable organisations relevant to your field or POLO
objectives.
7. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE PREPARATION
Completion of the application form, whether it is for POLO options 1, 2 or 3 necessitates
some preparation for the planned visit to another organisation. You must ensure that you
have made suitable travel and accommodation plans and can cover the cost of the visit.
7.1 Overseas and European Travel
For those going overseas, the CU international office has a lot of helpful information for
students embarking on study abroad.
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/for/current/studyingabroad/Erasmus/erasmus_resources/erasmus_r
esources.html
For those going overseas the Foreign Office web site must be consulted for the latest travel
advice and a helpful checklist. https://www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
For European travel it is advisable to obtain the E128 to ensure free or reduced-cost medical
treatment during the placement.

7
Your health and safety whilst on your placement is paramount to us; you will be required to
complete a medical disclosure and undertake an occupational health referral if necessary.
The School will ensure the appropriate health and safety risk assessments are completed for
your host organisation.
As a student of Cardiff University insurance will be provided please see frequently asked
questions regarding insurance (Appendix 3)
Prior to your departure you will issued with further guidance to include emergency
procedures, communication, attendance and supervision.
8. DURING POLO
When on a POLO placement you have the same health and safety responsibilities as any
other employee in the workplace3
. You must take reasonable care of your own health and
safety and of the health and safety of other people who may be affected by your actions.
During POLO you may face different challenges such as a more challenging clinical
environment, living abroad alone, sharing accommodation, cultural/practice differences,
language barriers, less access to tutors and your current support network. It is essential that
you establish clear lines of communication with your named host supervisor/organisation
and to remain in contact with us. If you have any concerns you must speak to your host
immediately and if these are not resolved to contact us.
You should ensure you make the most of learning opportunities to meet your objectives
whilst conducting yourself in a professional manner as an ambassador for Cardiff University
and representing the School of Healthcare Sciences.
You should ensure that an attendance record sheet is completed and signed by a relevant
supervisor. These hours are part of the programme recorded practice hours. In preparation
for the reflective entry into your portfolio it would be advisable to make some notes or diarise
your activities. You will maintain contact with your PT through e-mail or other suitable
communications media.
9. AFTER POLO
You must correspond with the host organisation thanking them for providing you with this
experience.
You are required to submit an attendance record sheet which has been signed by yourself
and your supervisor from the host area.
You are required to provide a formal evaluation of your experience using the relevant tool as
scheduled on the timetable. This information will be used to assist other students who may
consider undertaking POLO in the same area.
You will be encouraged to feedback on your experience to fellow students and PTs.

8
You will be required to reflect on the experience through an entry into your portfolio of
learning. The entry should reflect on achievement of the learning objectives and how the
experience has contributed to your personal, professional and cultural awareness
development. You may choose to link this into your final summative reflective component of
the portfolio for module NR2115.
10. FURTHER INFORMATION
You will be provided with further information by POLO lead or programme manager/field lead
over the remainder of year 1 and into year 2 as necessary. Any changes to Cardiff
University procedures on study abroad may influence the POLO process and you will be
kept informed of any necessary requirements.
11. USING AGENCIES AND ORGANISATIONS
There are several agencies, and organisations that provide information on placements
overseas (often called electives). We do not have arrangements with these organisations,
however, you may wish to explore what they have to offer. See examples below:
11.1 UNA Exchange http://www.unaexchange.org/
This is an international volunteering charity, based at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff. They
coordinate a range of international volunteering programmes, in Wales and abroad.
Established in 1973 and have a long history of working alongside local community groups at
home and with international partners worldwide, through an international organisation called
The Alliance. Their work aims to bring together groups of people from different countries
and backgrounds in order to both carry out valuable volunteering work and to share their
own cultures and experiences with each other. Through this we aim to build international
understanding and solidarity.
11.2 MozVolunteers http://www.mozvolunteers.com Started in 2008, it is a social enterprise
initiative that aims to recruit international and student volunteers of all ages to participate in
community development, wildlife conservation and research projects in South Africa and
Mozambique. The projects are implemented and monitored by South African NPO
Sizabantu. MozVolunteers assists with sustainable community development in Southern
Africa using the means of education, healthcare and trade.

9
11.3 Work the World http://www.worktheworld.co.uk/why-us#ixzz2QMpo8IOK
is the leading provider of medical, dental, nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy,
radiography and pharmacy electives and placements in Africa, Asia and South
America. We have long-standing partnerships with a wide variety of hospitals and clinics,
and work with you to design a placement that matches your interests. We then take away all
the hassle of organising it and make sure you feel 100% supported throughout. Our nursing
student elective placements are specifically tailored to all branches of nursing and are
designed to meet the requirements of all major British nursing schools.
http://www.worktheworld.co.uk/nursing-electives
11.4 Christian Medical Fellowships (CMF) was formed in 1949 and has a passion for
uniting and equipping Christian doctors and Nurses. CMF won't arrange your elective for
you but we have a bit database of contacts and a handbook to help. We focus on Christian
hospitals and mission agencies because that is our area of expertise, but many of these are
open to students of other faiths - or no faith - provided they are happy to respect the
Christian ethos of the organisation. http://www.cmf.org.uk/international/electives.asp
11.5 Wales for Africa Community Links http://www.walesafrica.org/
Launched by then First Minister for Wales, the Right Hon Rhodri Morgan AM, on UN World
Poverty Day 2007. Wales Africa Community Links is a movement for change – involving
Welsh civil society and local people in ‘making poverty history’ through inspiring, practical
action . Community links are voluntary groups working together in partnership between
Wales and Africa to broaden horizons, friendships and to improve each other’s communities.
Wales Community Links network support 130 Welsh civil society and voluntary organisations
to develop projects/initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, environment, health, youth and
equality. Built through exchanges, global learning and sharing the community projects
contribute towards the Millennium Development Goals for poverty reduction. Community
links can change lives, with benefits to communities both north and south. You can get
involved or support a local link - Search for a link in your area. For example, there is a
wide range of countries where Wales Africa healthcare links are present.
11.6 SKIP: Physiotherapists / children’s charity linked to students union
SKIP First started in Cardiff 11 years ago, is a student led charity. They believe in man
power not money. They believe in sustainability. Global health. They have a national
committee who to go to for support and guidance. National across the UK. For example

10
SKIP has been involved with projects such as Dream Livingstone which was originally
created to help Livingstone Community to become a better place to live in by providing
programmes to help the economic status of poor communities, reduce the spread of
HIV/AIDS through awareness programs and support groups and empower communities to
become self-reliant and sustainable. Have been on research trips in 2013 to:
 Linda Farm – for the Blind. Spend 10 days at the farm and surrounding community.
Worked with all age groups. Taught them about sexual health, sanitation and
diseases;
 Libuyu Women's Group. Spent a day with the women from this HIV awareness
group. Went on a tour of their houses and the farm where they earn their money.
 Mahatma Gandhi Damewa Clinic. Spent a day in different aspects of the clinic.
Taught groups about HIV, Malaria, Cholera and basic Sanitation. Please email any
questions to: skipcardiff@gmail.com
Whilst the POLO period is scheduled for Year 2 programme weeks 24-29, there may be
scope for flexibility in the use of annual leave to accommodate alternative arrangements,
particularly where an outside agency or organisation is involved. This would however,
require negotiation with the POLO leads and Programme Manager on an individual basis.

11
POLO lead launches POLO with student cohort (year 1, theory block 1 programme week 1 and theory block 2, week 26)
S
Student makes initial contact with host organisation (s) to undertake
POLO and sends introductory letters
- Personal introduction
- SONMS standard introductory verification letter ( requested
from HCAREpolo@cf.ac.uk)
Admin informs student of scholarship award by
Year 2 programme end week 8
Commence POLO between Year 2 weeks 24 – 29 (up to
4 weeks)
Appendix 1: General POLO Flow chart (student version)
Student receives written
confirmation from host
organisation that they will
be accepted and proceeds to
application
After POLO student complete evaluation and feedback.
Student sends thank you letter to host
During POLO student completes time sheet and reflection
Option Four
Stay at
Field scheduled
Hub
Option Three
Student Choice Field
Specific UK
POLO panel reviews and awards scholarship by
Year 2 programme week 8
Option One and /or Two must be completed on same application form
Student completes POLO application form by Year 2 programme week 1
(Students for Overseas Options ONE & TWO are eligible for scholarship application and
must indicate this on the form)
Option Three Student completes POLO application form and forwards to PT (copy in
POLO e-mail) by Year 2 programme week 5
During this period the school is obtaining guarantees from hosting organisation and addressing queries. All health and safety checks
have to be completed and deemed satisfactory.
Student receives written
confirmation from host
organisation that they will NOT be
accepted and forwards to
Placement Coordinator. GO to
option 4
tudent receives written
confirmation from the hosting
organisation that they will be
accepted.
No further
action needed
Students discuss POLO options with PT by year 1, theory block 3 programme week 40 and proceeds with selected option
Successful student confirms visit dates with host
organisation
Admin sends letter to host organisation and completes CU
insurance for overseas option by Year 2 programme end
week 14
Year 2 programme week 19 (POLO Lead then notifies
placements and PASA)
Successful but declines to visit.
Go to option 4. Student informs
Placement Coordinator & PT.
Admin & Placements notified
Unsuccessful
GO to option 4 Student
sends a letter of thanks to
host
Option One
School Contracted
(Overseas)
Post Panel Briefing (Queries) Week 10
Pre-Departure Briefing Week 18-20
Option Two
Student Choice
Overseas
POLO Panel reviews application & confirms POLO awards in principle by Year 2 end of
programme week 3.
UK POLO applications received
by Year 2 programme week 6
Placement Coordinator reviews
documents. Admin informs student by
end week 11
Week13
Week 18-20
Placement coordinator reviews
UK POLO applications by Year 2
programme week 8

12
Appendix 3
Overseas Placement Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
What is Public Liability insurance?
This is the cover which protects you if you harm anyone else whilst on placement and legal
liability is proven. The risk is reduced when the placement is observational. Some cover is
provided by UMAL, the university insurers, but it is not as extensive as the cover in the UK.
UMAL does not cover large indemnities. There are no general rules and exact cover cannot
be identified. Risks are identified on a case by case basis.
What is Employers Liability insurance?
This is the cover which protects you if anything happens to you whilst on placement and
legal liability is proven. The risk is reduced when the placement is observational. Some
cover is provided by UMAL, the university insurers, but it is not as extensive as the cover in
the UK. For example, for a catastrophic injury which would result in enough money to cover
a lifetime of care needs being awarded in the UK, this may be a substantially smaller amount
from the cover available to you overseas.
What is Personal Accident Insurance?
This insurance covers you for accidents which happen outside the workplace. It also
provides a much reduced cover for accidents within the workplace where there is no
Employers Liability insurance available. Legal liability must be proven to enable you to claim
on this insurance.
What is legal liability?
To claim on any type of insurance it must be proved that the person/organisation being
claimed against was legally liable for the cause of the accident. In simple terms they have
done something they shouldn’t or have not done something they should have.
What if I take regular medication?
You must ensure that you take a sufficient quantity with you. It may not be available on
placement and if it is you will have to pay up front and may not be able to claim it back on
your insurance. Do not pack medication in hold luggage.
What if I have a chronic medical condition?
You must assess the risk of you attending the placement given your condition yourself. For
example if you have asthma which you know is triggered by heat you must decide whether
you want to risk going to Africa where assistance may not be easily available as opposed to
the main cities in Australia where assistance is easily available. If you decide to go on
placement think about how you can take steps to reduce the risks.

13
What if I have to carry syringes/equipment with me to give myself medication?
You may need a GPs letter to enable you to carry syringes/equipment onto the plane. You
may have to pay for the letter.
What if I am seriously ill while I am away?
If you have a serious medical issue while away you must follow the instructions on the
Cardiff University Travel Summary.
What if I am unwell while I am away?
If it is a minor ailment and you visit a Doctor you will have to pay for treatment and medicine
and may not be able to claim back the cost when you return home.
What if my passport is stolen or lost?
Always take photocopies of your passport, insurance certificate and visa documents and
keep in a different place to the originals. Look at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
website for instructions.
What if any valuables are stolen?
You must pack all valuables in your hand luggage. If any valuable is stolen during transit or
while you are on placement it must be reported to the appropriate authority (usually the
police) within 24 hours and written confirmation that you have reported it must be obtained.

14
Appendix 4
The Decision Making Process for Supervisors and students
The School of Healthcare Sciences expects students to be supervised undertaking any skill
that is at a level of skill appropriate to their training. Students should negotiate with their
supervisors any aspects of practice that are appropriate for them to practice in clearly
defined situations.
Students who feel a lack of confidence or confidence in any given aspect of practice may opt
to be purely observational.
Year 1 Level 4 Practice descriptor – students should be able to:
 Perform basic skills and fundamental care on the instruction of others (e.g.
supervisor / mentor, qualified staff) recognising own limitations and potential
hazards.
 Demonstrate an understanding of the rational for nursing care drawing on
relevant knowledge
 Document and report care appropriate to the setting and local policy
Level of knowledge to be
assessed by mentor
Mentor to provide
underpinning
knowledge
Underpinning
knowledge?
Appropriate
stage of training?
Has the
student observed
the skill being performed by a
qualified nurse/practitioner?
EXIT
The student can perform
the skill under the
supervision of the mentor
If the mentor is not
satisfied with the
student’s ability at this
stage either exit or
start again with an
action plan
The student must
not undertake the
skill
Does the
patient give informed
consent for the skill to be
undertaken by
the student?
As an accountable
practitioner is the mentor
confident in the student’s
ability to perform the
Skill?
If student is not at the
appropriate stage of
training, observation of
the skill only and exit
The student must
observe the skill
being undertaken by
a competent
qualified
nurse/practitioner
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
START

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