Certificate of CPD National Foundation Education Module in Critical Care Nursing

The Foundations in Critical Care Nursing module aims to build upon and advance the repertoire of knowledge, skills, attitudes and professional values in the promotion of competence in the nurses’ clinical practice in critical care nursing. The goal of the module is that students will be able to safely and competently care for critically ill patients in the critical care environment in which they are employed.

Module Structure

The National Foundation Module in Critical Care Nursing is a 10 credit, part-time, taught, blended learning module. It is designed to meet the learning needs of busy Registered Nurses (RNs), by providing a flexible (blended) learning environment.

The duration of this module is 26 weeks. There are two intakes per year, September and February. 

Assessments:

Theoretical learning will be examined using a Case Study Presentation, and an end of module MCQ examination. Clinical learning will be examined through the attainment of Clinical Competencies in student’s employment setting.

Teaching and Learning strategies

The following teaching and learning strategies will be integrated into the schedule to facilitate each student to achieve the aims and objective of the module.

Blended learning methodologies

E-learning: online and situated learning activities (e-tivities) with links to online readings and self-directed learning will enhance the student's ability to learn independently and facilitate knowledge and understanding of theories and principles of critical care nursing.

Online learning

This module consists of six units of study.

Unit 1: Care of the patient with altered respiratory function

Unit 2: Care of the patient with altered cardiovascular function

Unit 3: Care of the patient with altered renal function and fluids & electrolyte balance

Unit 4: Care of the patient with altered gastrointestinal and endocrine function

Unit 5: Care of the patient with altered neurological function

Unit 6: Managing the Critically Ill Patients

Students will be able to check their understanding with formative clinical case study reviews, formative online quizzes and summative clinical case study assignment and MCQ examination.

Skill acquisition

Students will be immersed in clinical practice and supported and assessed by a clinical preceptor and/or clinical facilitator for the duration of the module. During this time, students will avail of situational learning opportunities to develop the required technical skills and attitudes to function safely in their clinical area.  Online interactive learning activities and simulation workshops will also enhance the student’s knowledge underpinning the technical skill associated with each unit of learning.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology and its application to disordered function.
2. Demonstrate the application of available knowledge to guide the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based nursing care.
3. Perform and review a comprehensive and systematic assessment of a critically ill patient using an appropriate framework.
4. Interpret and examine assessment results and data using supportive research to determine normal values and underlying pathophysiology for critically ill patients.
5. Evaluate clinical significance and nursing implications of assessment data.
6. Demonstrate and maintain therapeutic and professional relationships by delivering systematic and comprehensive patient care.
7. Integrate research and reflection into clinical practice.
8. Promote continuity of care by contributing to multidisciplinary collaboration across the health care continuum.

Programme Strengths

• UCD has a long history of producing high quality graduates
• This programme is highly focused on enhancing your clinical practice and the achievement of realistic and attainable attributes in the practice of nursing in the Intensive Care environment.
• The Programme employs a variety of innovative assessment strategies with a strong clinical focus
• Extensive use of IT in supporting the teaching environment.
• Access to excellent student facilities

Does this programme have an official conferring ceremony?

Please note there is no online or in-person conferring ceremony for this programme. Your parchment will be posted to you by UCD Conferring.

Funding

If the fees for your programme are being paid by a third party (full or partial), please ensure your funding organisation/sponsor/hospital contacts student.payments@ucd.ie. Please note this is not a student facing email address.

Student Queries

If you have any queries about your fees, please contact the Student Desk:

www.ucd.ie/askus

https://www.ucd.ie/students/studentdesk/

Application Fee

Please note that all applicants are required to pay the €60 application fee. Your application cannot be processed fully unless the application fee has been paid.

More information about fees is available on the UCD website at the link below:

• General information about UCD Fees

Entry Requirements

This module is open to practicing nurses with:

• Evidence of current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) OR evidence that registration with the NMBI will be complete by the proposed commencement date of the module.
• A letter of support from his/her respective Director of Nursing providing evidence that he/she will be working in a critical care environment for the duration of the module and for a minimum of 78 hours/month. 
• Confirmation of having secured a Clinical Preceptor and/or Clinical Facilitator for the duration of the module.
• Evidence that designated Clinical Preceptor and/or Clinical Facilitator has completed recognised preceptorship training and has obtained a qualification in intesive care nursing.

Admission to the module will be subject to internal university approval processes on the recommendation of the Head of School.

Places can only be offered on receipt of all required documentation

Documents required: 

• Original transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) & notarised English translations where relevant
• A current photocopy of NMBI registration
• Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport
• Signed Declaration Form from Employer (original form) Download the Declaration Form
• Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)

Places can only be offered on receipt of all required documentation

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No

The module is aimed at registered nurses working within the critical care environment who have not completed accredited postgraduate education in critical care nursing and registered nurses who have limited or no experience working in the critical care environment (model 3, 4 & 4s inclusive).