On completion of the module the student will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate the role of the emergency nurse in caring for patients that present to the emergency department with an acute illness.
2. Perform a comprehensive evidence-based approach to the nursing assessment of the patient presenting to the emergency department with an acute illness.
3. Provide a detailed account of an evidence-based approach to the nursing care and management of patients presenting to the emergency department with Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACS], Myocardial Infarction [MI] and Cerebrovascular Accident [CVA].
4. Appropriately evaluate and interpret basic 12 lead ECGs and cardiac rhythm strips explaining the significance of, treatment for, and nursing implications of each type of cardia arrythmia.
5. Provide a detailed account of an evidence-based approach to the nursing care and management of patients presenting to the emergency department with exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD], Asthma, Pneumonia and Pulmonary Embolism [PE].
6. Appropriately analyse and interpret arterial blood gas [ABG] recordings.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the oxygen dissociation curve and the role of SaO2 monitoring and their implications for care of the patient with sudden parameter changes in relation to respiratory function.
8. Critically examine the role of the emergency nurse in caring for patients with cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, metabolic, renal and genitourinary emergencies.
9. Identify and describe the role of the emergency nurse in recognising and communicating information about the deteriorating patient in the emergency department utilising their skills, competencies and available tools i.e. Early Warning Score, Sepsis Screening Tool, ISBAR Communication Tool.

This module aims to increase the emergency nurse’s knowledge of a wide range of illnesses, varying from minor illnesses to major, life-threatening conditions. The module will focus on the role of the emergency nurse in relation to the care of the person with an acute alteration in the function of the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, neurological, metabolic and genitourinary systems. The clinical component is designed to provide the student with clinical opportunities to develop essential skills in caring for the acutely ill person and to optimise care through the application of relevant theory to practice. The principles of effective multidisciplinary teamworking, evidence-based practice and best practice guidelines will underpin the module

Registered General Nurse
Minimum of one year's clinical practice post-registration.
Must be currnetly employed in an emergency department and for the duration of the programme.
Minimum of 78hrs. clinical practice per month

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

Insofar as possible, students will receive feedback in advance of the next due assignment and workshop.