Core Modules:
Research methods, critical appraisal and statistics
The aim of this module is to enhance knowledge, skills and understanding required for the acquisition and critical appraisal of research literature, and other evidence, used to inform evidence-based practice (EBP) in participants’ area of nursing. This module introduces students to the principles of evidence-based practice and research methodologies that underpin patient/client care. In the context of evidence-based professional practice, students will develop problem solving and reasoning skills. Alongside this they will develop an understanding of professional practice.
Legal and ethical issues for professional practice
The module will help raise awareness of litigation in practice and issues around accountability and liability. In particular, the module will facilitate the development of in-depth understanding of the role of nurses and their professional duty of care, exploring legislation and related legal and ethical issues in nursing and midwifery practice.
Teaching, learning and assessing for Nurses
The module aims to develop competent, confident and reflective nurses who are capable of evaluating and developing current teaching and learning support in practice. The module will prepare nurses to undertake the role of practice educator (facilitator/mentor) in the practice setting and create high quality learning and assessment experiences for a range of learners. The module emphasis is on developing teaching and learning competencies underpinned by professional values, and prepares nurses to work productively with service users, carers and peers.
Advanced assessment skills and clinical decision making
The module will allow nurses to develop systematic skills in history taking and undertaking systematic assessment of each organ system. The module will enable nurses to develop complex decision-making skills involved in diagnosis, investigation, treatment and referral. There is both clinical and academic aspects to the module which allows nurses to develop deductive reasoning and critical thinking skills.
Dissertation
This module will enable nurses to develop their knowledge and ability to explore in depth an area of their practice that is of personal and professional interest. Through individual projects the module will enable nurses to acquire skills and knowledge on the development, maintenance and improvement of nursing and health-related topics and healthcare work environments. The dissertation draws from learning and skills acquired from other components of the programme, and shows how different learning outcomes from the modules and study skills link together to demonstrate a coherent understanding of the requirements for competent practice and nursing care. The dissertation can take a variety of forms including, audit, service evaluation, needs assessment, literature reviews or small-case empirical research projects.
Elective Modules:
Fundamental knowledge and skills in older person’s care
The module provides a comprehensive overview of current evidence and approaches in relation to complex care in older adults. The purpose of the module is to build the knowledge and capability of nurses to care for older adults living with complex health and social care issues in acute, community or residential care settings. The module is designed to promote a deeper understanding and collaboration across multidisciplinary roles in services for older people.
Palliative and end of life care foundations
This module provides an examination of the philosophy and principles of palliative and end of life care, as applied in different care settings. It aims to equip nurses with the skills to complete an initial and ongoing assessment of the needs of a patient requiring palliative or end of life care, with regard to their physical, psychological, spiritual and cultural well-being.
Leadership and clinical governance in healthcare
Central to providing high quality, safe and efficient care is effective leadership capabilities of nurses at all levels. This module explores the related quality, patient safety and governance agendas and aligns the role of nurses to further develop leadership and management competencies in these challenging contexts. It has an emphasis on wider strategic issues and the impact that these influences have on practice development.
Team-based healthcare practice and decision making
The students will be provided with the team-based didactic, clinical and simulation experiences to promote recognition of the knowledge and perspectives of the varied healthcare disciplines. The module content and learning experiences will be based on the four Core Competencies for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice: 1) Values/Ethics for Interprofessional Practice; 2) Roles/Responsibilities; 3) Interprofessional Communication; 4) Teams and Teamwork.