Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Emergency Care)

Course details

The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Emergency Care) is designed for registered nurses who wish to pursue a specialism in Emergency Nursing. Taught components of the programme are delivered in a blended learning format. Blended learning is an innovative teaching strategy which involves a combination of face-to-face and on-line learning. This means that most learning/teaching will be delivered on-line through Blackboard, an interactive learning system which connects directly to the University from your own home computer. Students are required to attend face to face workshops for a across the programme. The programme is comprised of seven theory/practice modules. In all modules there is an emphasis on exploring the relevance of module content to practice, similarly, practice placements allow students to explore "new" knowledge in practice, enabling them an opportunity to integrate theory and practice.

Students are required to undertake their clinical practice in an approved clinical practice setting within Ireland normally within the students' own work setting. Where the environment does not provide sufficient opportunities to meet the learning outcomes of the programme addition placements will be required by the student in sites which will provide the experience needed. A minimum of 1000 clinical hours need to be completed in the specialist area while undertaking the programme.

Special Features

The course is approved by An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann and has a clinical focus, offering opportunities to develop specialist skills. The programme is offered through a blended learning format - a combination of online and face-to-face learning and teaching. Blended learning is an innovative and flexible approach to learning, making it possible to combine working full-time with studying.

Key facts

Entry requirements

All applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

1. Be a registered nurse on the General Nurse pision of the Register maintained by An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann;
2. Be currently working in the required specialist area, i.e., Emergency, and have as a minimum six months’ clinical experience in this specialist area;
3. Have an honours degree or equivalent.

Applicants who do not hold an honours degree or higher diploma (Level 8) may apply but must clearly demonstrate their capacity to complete a programme at this level. In addition to the other requirements outlined above, these applicants are required to submit a 1,000 word literature based essay (this essay must be at the level expected of an honours degree candidate (Level 8).

Course outline

Programme content

Modules:

• Clinical Governance: Supporting Safe Practice (core)
• Using Research in Practice (core)
• Specialist Module 1 (Medical Emergencies)
• Specialist Module 2 (Major Trauma and Surgical Emergencies)
• Specialist Module 3 (Special Patient Populations)
• Specialist Module 4 (Clinical Skills Development in Emergency Nursing)
• Service Improvement Module
• Clinical Assessment 1
• Clinical Assessment 2
• Clinical Assessment 3