Expand+This module is designed to explore the psychological and social context of caring for dying people which is commonly termed ‘end-of-life care’. The content of this module is focused towards addressing generic end of life concepts which are meaningful...

Hide-This module is designed to explore the psychological and social context of caring for dying people which is commonly termed ‘end-of-life care’. The content of this module is focused towards addressing generic end of life concepts which are meaningful to a range of care settings; ethical debate, communication challenges and bereavement and loss.

The module runs over 10 weeks and there are four units in the module:
Unit 1 examines the complexity of palliative care in addressing diversity and issues of inclusion. You will consider how palliative care responds to the needs of diverse groups in our society. In particular you will explore the problems raised when describing such groups as ‘marginalised’ and what that means in terms of access to services, treatment and care. The specific foci of this unit will include palliative care for people with mental health problems, with intellectual disability and with dementia.
Unit 2 explores the ethical dilemmas which face practitioners involved in end-of-life care. It looks specifically at the arguments for and against euthanasia, the challenges of clinical decision-making with regard to palliative sedation and artificial nutrition and hydration and the role of advanced directives in end-of-life care planning.
Unit 3 reflects the importance of communication at end-of-life. In particular it examines the principles of breaking bad news and the communication barriers which present in clinical practice. Strategies for guiding and supporting patients and families through their journey towards death will be explored.
Unit 4 considers the dimensions of grief and loss which occur throughout final illness and into the bereavement period. Reference will be made to the process of death and the spiritual context of death and dying.

The module team includes: Carole Fabby, Lecturer and Clinical Nurse Manager 2, Galway Hospice Foundation and Laura Dempsey, Programme Director of the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Palliative Care) programme.

Expand+How long does a PCA module take to complete?
In general PCA modules are completed in one semester of the academic calendar. Semester 2 is from January to the end of April/May.

How many days will I have to attend college?
We have a one day indu...

Hide-How long does a PCA module take to complete?
In general PCA modules are completed in one semester of the academic calendar. Semester 2 is from January to the end of April/May.

How many days will I have to attend college?
We have a one day induction on the first week of September and in January and after that, you normally attend college for 2 days per module.

The modules are taken through blended learning. What does that mean?
Blended learning is a term used to describe learning that is a mixture of ‘on-line’ learning through a system known as ‘Blackboard’ and workshops in college.

I’m not great at using technology, how will I manage using Blackboard?
We support students in getting used to Blackboard and offer an orientation on its use on the induction day. We get a lot of students who are initially nervous using Blackboard but the system is easy to use once you are shown how to use it.

I qualified many years ago and haven’t studied in a long time. I am very confident in my clinical abilities but am afraid I will struggle with the academic work. Who will help me on the module?
The module leader and programme director are available to help you with any academic issues.

Can I continue on after I complete my Professional Credit Award module?
Yes. You can do as many PCAs as you want over time or you can build your own individualised postgraduate programme (Postgraduate Certificate by completing 1 core and 2 optional modules OR Postgraduate Diploma by completing 2 core and 4 optional modules). Alternatively you can enrol on one of our Postgraduate Diplomas in Nursing (specialist) programmes and request an exemption for your PCA modules. It is possible to get exemption for up to three modules of the programme. More details of these programmes can be found @ http://www.nuigalway.ie/nursing-midwifery/Postgraduate/.