Children's Nursing PgDip

Modules

You will be taught separately from the three-year undergraduate students and will study the following:

• Applied biological and pharmacological sciences for nursing
  This module is an introduction to biological and pharmacological sciences, which will be applied to the chosen field of nursing.
• Children's nursing and professional practice
  Understanding of children's nursing and the associated professional, ethical and legal responsibilities. The underlying principles of negotiation and working in partnership will be examined. The focus is on developing an appreciation of how nursing theory evolved and became embedded in nursing practice and how the professional codes, ethical values and legal frameworks underpin that practice. The role of the children's nurses in facilitating children, young people and their carers as active members of the decision making process will be explored. Emphasis will be placed upon understanding of the need to use up-to-date knowledge including ethical, legal and professional obligations to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate care, communicate findings, influence change and promote health, welfare and best practice. In this module, professional and legal responsibilities of children's nurses are explored to ensure children's rights are upheld.
• Public health and well-being
  This module explores national and international health policies and examines the broader social, economic, environmental and political factors that impact health and well-being. You will investigate issues that have an impact on the health of individuals and communities, recognising the importance of supportive social, physical and cultural environments to promote health and well-being. The experience of mental health, physical illness and learning disabilities will be explored within the context of children's and adults lives and the impact these may have on physical and mental well-being.

• Child development and common childhood conditions
  Aetiology of common childhood health conditions including common causes of injury or disease which may result in illness, deformity, disability or even death. Assessment and management of children with a common health condition and impact on the child and their family will be explored, with emphasis on multidisciplinary team working in community and hospital settings. Learning will be structured to encourage reflection on own experiences and preconceptions in order to develop objective and analytical approaches in care planning.
• Acute and complex care of children
  This module will examine a range of acute and potentially life limiting and life threatening conditions requiring a higher level of nursing care and intervention. It aims to examine the assessment, observation, close monitoring and intervention required to manage children who are unstable, with the aim of preventing deterioration with early intervention. You will further develop confidence, competence and the clinical skills to care for and manage these patients. Emphasis of the module will be on safety and the techniques required for prioritising and managing complexity.
• Politics and leadership
  This module will develop knowledge about the process of health care policy and leadership potential. Studying this module will help you to appreciate not only what is involved in leadership, but also how each individual nurse can make a contribution to the leadership within their area of practice.
• Dissertation (optional)
  This module provides you with the opportunity to undertake original enquiry in a chosen area of professional practice. Through the preparatory learning set you will be able to consolidate and extend your knowledge and understanding of research and evaluation design and associated methods of enquiry. You will be supported to develop the practical skills necessary to plan and carry out your chosen project. The preparatory learning set will address ethical and governance issues and processes relevant to your project.