Postgraduate Diploma In Nursing (Acute Medicine)

Course details

This Programme aims to meet the educational needs of nurses working in an acute medical unit (AMU, AMAU, MAU), short stay unit or equivalent which cares for patients with acute medical conditions. Nationally it is recognised that these nurses must consolidate and expand their knowledge and skills in response to the need for early detailed assessment and development of initial treatment plans.

The programme will be delivered via blended learning which is a combination of on-line learning and face-to-face workshops. There are 7 theory/practice modules, including a Service Improvement Project and students will complete 3 clinical competency assessments, one in each trimester. Workshops will employ a variety of teaching strategies including, problem focused lectures, skills teaching, simulated patient scenario based exercises, student-led seminars, small group learning and experiential learning. Students will simultaneously work in the clinical setting for the duration of the programme and will have to complete a minimum of 1000 hours in an acute medical unit or equivalent setting. Student learning in the clinical setting will be supported by their unit manager and named preceptor.

Learning Outcomes

To enable students to work at this level they must be able to undertake physical assessment of patients, use critical thinking skills to formulate differential nursing diagnoses and clinical impressions, identify required nursing interventions and evaluate plans for their clients. Furthermore, students must be able to critically question traditional nursing roles and culture and examine ways of expanding current scope of practice within their own workplace. This course will be delivered in collaboration with key clinical front line management and personnel to examine creative teaching and assessment methods grounded in practice that enable students to develop these critical skills. Some examples of the learning outcomes for the programme are given below -

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the use of the major therapeutic interventions utilised in the stabilisation of clients with acute medical conditions.
• Conduct a comprehensive initial assessment, including physical assessment, of acute medical patients and prompts investigations and timely initiation of treatment.
• Recognise and respond swiftly to the signs and symptoms of client deterioration.
• Implement specific targeted initiatives around presenting complaints in older people i.e. falls, acute delirium, dementia, related syndromes, poly-pharmacy problems and general functional decline.
• Demonstrate competency in the recognition and management of common medical problems including shock and respiratory failure and with the associated clinical skills – Arterial Blood Gas analysis, Non Invasive Mechanical Ventilation, Assist with Rapid Sequence Induction.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the specific guidelines, algorithms, care pathways and care bundles that are implemented for acute medical conditions.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

• An Honours Bachelor Degree at NFQ Level 8 in nursing or a comparable qualification.
• Registration as a General nurse on the live register of An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÄ’ireann.
• Currently employed as a nurse in an Acute Medical Unit (AMUs), Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAUs), Medical Assessment Unit (MAUs), Short Stay Unit (SSU), or an equivalent clinical setting that has a remit for caring for patients in the acute stage of their medical illness. The applicants must have a minimum of 6 months experience in this setting over the past two years.
• Written evidence of support for the applicant from their Director of Nursing and clinical unit manager.
• Minimum academic and/or professional qualifications and standards required, together with any equivalence that may apply.

Applicants who hold neither an honours degree nor higher diploma (Level 8) may apply but must clearly demonstrated their capacity to undertake a programme at this level. In addition to the requirements outlined above these applicants are expected to submit a 1,000-word literature-based essay on a topic relevant to the specialist area. To be considered for admission this essay must be judged equivalent to an honours degree (Level 8). Click here for guidelines on this essay.

Course Outline

Module

Trimester 1

(Sept – Dec)

• Recognising and responding to client deterioration (10 ECTS) Workshop contact 2 days
• Using Research in Practice 10 ECTS Workshop contact 1 day (2 half days)
• Nursing Care of the older person (10 ECTS) Workshop contact 2 days
• Service Improvement (30 ECTS) Submit service improvement plan

Trimester 2

(Jan – May)

• Essential Physical Assessment Skills (10 ECTS) Workshop contact 2 days
• Clinical Governance: Supporting Safe Practice (10 ECTS) Workshop contact 1 day
• Principles and practice of acute medical nursing (10 ECTS) Workshop contact 2 days

Trimester 3

(June-Aug)

• Finalise and submit service improvement assignment and portfolio.

Delivery Approach

Trimester 1

(Sept – Dec)

• Learning pack supported by facilitated on-line learning. Students will engage in discussion boards, learning activities, read set materials post and respond to questions set by peers and/or the moderator. Complete e-tivities. Workshops for each module.

Trimester 3

(June-Aug)

• On-line support by assigned clinical preceptor.

Direct Contact

Trimester 1

(Sept – Dec)

• Five days direct contact + minimum of 2 hours on-line facilitation each week per module.

Trimester 2

(Jan – May)

• Five days direct contact + minimum of 2 hours on-line facilitation each week per module.

Trimester 3

(June-Aug)

• Support with Service Improvement module by academic supervisor.

Assessment Of Clinical Competence

• Clinical competence assessment 1, 2 and 3

Clinical Practice

• Students are expected to apply learning in their clinical practice

Clinical Hours

• 1000 hrs – reflected in log book, signed by student and unit manager