The Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing is a part-time programme running for 6 months* from the date of first registration for the programme. The Certificate has four pathways and applicants choose their pathway at the application stage. The pathways are as follows:

Pathway 1: Gerontological Nursing
Pathway 3: Medical and Surgical Nursing
Pathway 5: Nurse/Midwife Prescribing
Pathway 7: Oncology Nursing

Pathways 2, 4 and 6 have been discontinued.

*For the December 2020 intake the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Pathway 1: Gerontological Nursing will run for one calendar year (starting December 2020 and finishing in December 2021).

Applicants for the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing should normally:

(a) hold active registration on a division of the professional register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland or be eligible for such registration as required for individual pathways:

• Pathway 1: Applicants must be Registered General Nurses or Registered Intellectual Disability Nurses or Registered Psychiatric Nurses.
• Pathways 3 and 7: Applicants must be Registered General Nurses.
• Pathway 5: Applicants must be either Registered General Nurses or Registered Intellectual Disability Nurses or Registered Children's Nurses or Registered Psychiatric Nurses or Registered Midwives.
  

(b) have clinical practice experience (and support structures, if applicable) as required for individual pathways:

• Pathways 1 and 3: Applicants must have a minimum of six months' post-registration experience (excluding courses) and at least three months experience in the speciality pathway applied for.
• Pathway 5: Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years post-registration experience (excluding courses). The required experience must have been gained within the past 5 years with at least one year in the area in which prescribing is proposed. In addition, applicants must (ii) demonstrate continuous professional development and ability to study at Level 9; (iii) provides support from employer and completed Site Self-Declaration Form, signed by the Director of Nursing/Midwifery/Public Health; (iv) provide nomination and confirmation of a designated medical practitioner mentor (completed Site Self-Declaration Form, signed by the Medical Practitioner/Mentor) who will provide the student with supervision, support and opportunities including shadowing opportunities. Applicants must contact their Director of Nursing/Midwifery/Public Health to discuss the identified need for nurse/midwife prescribing in his/her practice area/organisation.

Note re Pathway 7: Applicants for the Postgraduate Certificate in Oncology Nursing are not required to have oncology nursing experience at the point of entry to this programme pathway.

Students choose one of the available pathways and complete modules to the value of 30 credits as follows:

Pathway 1: Gerontological Nursing
Theory modules (blended learning):
NU6005 Evidence Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)
NU6053 Professional, Ethical, and Legal Decision-making in Specialist Practice (5 credits)
NU6078 Ageing and Older People: Comprehensive Assessment and Management (10 credits)
Clinical Practice/Practicum module:
NU6130 Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 1 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Pathway 3: Medical and Surgical Nursing
Theory modules:
NU6005 Evidence Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)
NU6053 Professional, Ethical, and Legal Decision-making in Specialist Practice (5 credits)
NU6125 Professional Practice Issues for Nurses and Midwives (10 credits)
Clinical Practice/Practicum module:
NU6130 Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 1 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Pathway 5: Nurse/Midwife Prescribing
Theory modules:
GP6002 Systematic Approach to Assessment and Evaluation (10 credits)
NU5048 Professional, Ethical, Legal and Communication Issues Informing Nurse and Midwife Prescribing and Clinical Practicum (10 credits)
PF6011 Drug Action and Prescribing (10 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Pathway 7: Oncology Nursing
Theory modules (blended learning):
NU6005 Evidence Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)
NU6053 Professional, Ethical, and Legal Decision-making in Specialist Practice (5 credits)
NU6145 Foundations of Cancer Care (10 credits)
Clinical Practice/Practicum module:
NU6130 Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 1 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2020/2021 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2020/2021.

MSc in Nursing with Postgraduate Diploma exit awards
Candidates who successfully complete all modules to the value of 30 credits in the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing programme may apply to transfer into the relevant clinical speciality, where available, of the MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing programme. On transferring, candidates will be granted exemptions in modules to the value of 30 credits already completed on the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing and which are part of the relevant clinical pathway on the MSc/Postgraduate Diploma exit. Following transfer, candidates will have the option of exiting with a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing following completion of the remaining 30 credits in the relevant pathway. A candidate who wishes to continue progression for the degree of Master must complete the programme within 5 academic years from the date of successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma Examinations, subject to the programme being available.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Gerontological Nursing) (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Understand and critically evaluate the complex theories and concepts underpinning gerontological nursing practice;
• Identify and critically evaluate ethical issues in order to challenge assumptions and question values, beliefs and policies underpinning care;
• Develop a collaborative, empowering and advocacy approach in working with older adults;
• Critically appraise and evaluate current research evidence and best practice for specialist nursing and its implications for practice;
• Exercise accountability within clinical and professional boundaries in the delivery of quality healthcare for older adults and their families.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Medical and Surgical Nursing) (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Enhance medical and surgical nursing practice through the application of well-assimilated theoretical, practical and policy knowledge and clinical skills;
• Exercise accountability within the clinical, ethical and professional boundaries of the role of medical and surgical nursing;
• Critically appraise and evaluate current research evidence and best practice for specialist nursing and its implications for practice;
• Demonstrate an ability to perform assessment, clinical decision making and patient management skills.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Nurse/Midwife Prescribing) (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of these programme pathways, students should be able to:

• Critically appraise,use sources of knowledge and information and knowledge and decision support systems in prescribing practice;
• Demonstrate and apply a detailed knowledge of medications within a defined formulary including appropriate parameters and effects of medication for safe, appropriate and cost effective administration;
• Exercise appropriate judgment in prescribing safely and effectively within one's scope of professional practice and legislative framework;
• Demonstrate knowledge of the role of the multi-disciplinary team and effective communication involved in safe medication management including the limitations of use of nurse/midwife prescribing in relation to professional accountability;
• Demonstrate ability to exercise initiative and appropriate decision-making skills through evaluation of client needs to achieve a holistic approach to patient/client care in the prescribing of medicinal products;
• Conduct and lead quality assurance reviews and audits of practice to ensure best prescribing practice is adhered to.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Oncology Nursing) (NFQ Level 9, Minor award)
On successful completion of these programme pathways, students should be able to:

• Critically discuss cancer trends nationally and internationally;
• Critically review cancer prevention strategies;
• Develop a critical understanding of current cancer treatments and their effects;
• Critically evaluate current research evidence for patients diagnosed and treated for cancer;
• Exercise accountability within clinical and professional boundaries in the delivery of care to patients diagnosed and treated for cancer.