Expand+The overall aim of the programme is to provide registered nurses with the opportunity to enhance previously acquired professional education and develop critical inquiry, knowledge and skills, attributes and competencies in preparation for developing ...

Hide-The overall aim of the programme is to provide registered nurses with the opportunity to enhance previously acquired professional education and develop critical inquiry, knowledge and skills, attributes and competencies in preparation for developing roles within nursing. Successful completion of year 1 (Graduate Diploma) will provide students with the academic qualifications necessary to be considered for Clinical Nurse Specialist posts. Successful completion of year 2 (MSc) will provide students with the academic qualifications to be considered for Advanced Nursing Practice posts. The programme provides opportunities to explore research as evidence for enhancing and changing practice. The programme also provides opportunities for nurses to develop critical thinking and reflective skills at specialist and advanced practice levels. The programme will develop professional qualities and a high level of competence in the promotion of excellence and current best practice in the delivery and appraisal of advancing practice.

Overview

On completion of the programme the student will:

• Critically examine best practice in meeting the palliative care needs of patients and their families.
• Critically evaluate philosophical concepts and the evidence underpinning palliative care.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of therapeutic interventions used in a palliative care context in disease and symptom management.
• Apply critical thinking skills and ethical decision making required for advancing practice.
• Demonstrate proficiency in written, verbal, and digital communication skills at individual and collaborative levels.
• Critically examine the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in the provision of quality evidenced based palliative care.
• Critically review current innovations and developments in leading and managing change in practice.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the research process.
• Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning while fostering self-development and self-evaluation.
• Demonstrate responsibility for personal and professional development in advancing palliative care.
• Apply critical thinking and reflective skills in promoting and advancing palliative care practice.
• Appreciate the contribution of research in informing and advancing practice within a palliative care setting.
- See more at: http://www.ul.ie/graduateschool/course/nursing-palliative-care-msc#sthash.3rxUHs7W.dpuf

Programme Content

The programme is listed as full time but is taken on a part time basis. The 90 credit MSc in Nursing (Dementia Care) consists of six modules in Year One (Graduate Diploma Level 60 credits) and one research dissertation in Year 2 (Masters Level 30 credits). In year one students undertake two theory modules in each semester , ( one specialist module in dementia care and one core module) as well as one clinical practicum module in semesters one and two, a total of six modules in year one of the programme.

As part of the clinical practicum modules students are required to fulfil 1100 hours clinical practice time over the two semesters in year one, in addition to successfully completing specialist dementia care competences. Students are required to attend in University for a total of 13 days in year one, one introductory day and 6 days lectures in the Autumn and Spring semesters. In year two students complete a primary piece of research under supervision, and only attend the University for one introductory day in the Autumn Semester and for supervision as required thereafter.

Year 1

Autumn
Health Research – Methods and Methodology ( 12 Credits) Clinical Practicum 1;
Philosophical Concepts Underpinning Palliative Care ( 9 Credits)
Clinical Practicum 1 ( 9 Credits)

Spring

Promoting Quality and Safety in Health Care ( 12 Credits)
Clinical Practicum 2 ( 9 Credits)
Therapeutic Interventions in Palliative Care ( 9 Credits)

Year 2
Autumn Dissertation 1 ( 9 Credits)

Spring

Dissertation 2 (21 Credits)

Expand+Entry Requirements

1. A registered nurse on the current register of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland

2. Be engaged in practice as a registered nurse for at least one year

3. Students would normally possess a primary degree( Minim...

Hide-Entry Requirements

1. A registered nurse on the current register of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland

2. Be engaged in practice as a registered nurse for at least one year

3. Students would normally possess a primary degree( Minimum 2.2) or show evidence of recognized prior learning (RPL) as outlined in the ( RPL) policy of the University

and Department of Nursing and Midwifery

4. Students are required to be working in a practice setting where there are patients with palliative care needs, for the duration of the programme

5. Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet criteria identified in the English Language qualifications set by the University of Limerick

The MSc in Nursing (Palliative Care) will be offered as a full time programme but taken on a part time basis over two years with the option of an exit award on completion of year 1 (Graduate Diploma). Students can also opt to progress to year two for the MSc award having attained a minimum QCA of 2.00 at the end of year one.