Overview

NFQ Level 9, Major Award

The Postgraduate Diploma in Practice Nursing is a 60 credit programme for registered nurses and midwives. The programme will be delivered in blended learning format over two academic years, with 15 credits being delivered in each semester.

Progression to the MSc Nursing Studies Master's Degree

Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Practice Nursing will allow eligibility to apply for, and enter the MSc Nursing Studies (Direct Entry Year 2) Master's Degree programme in Nursing.

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Year 1
Students take 30 credits as follows - all listed core modules (25 credits) and 5 credits of elective modules:
Core Modules
GP6003		5
NU6155		5
NU6157		5
NU6070	Clinical Leadership in Practice Enhancement for Nursing and Midwifery	10
Elective Modules
Students take modules to the value of 5 credits from the following:		5
NU6053	Professional, Ethical, and Legal Decision-making in Specialist Practice (5)
NU5087	Practice and Principles of Health Promotion (5)
GP6005	(5)
Year 2
Students take 30 credits as follows - all listed core modules (20 credits) and 10 credits of elective modules:
Core Modules
NU6005	Evidence Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals	10
NU6156	Clinical General Practice Nursing II	5
GP6004	Chronic Disease Management in General Practice	5
Elective Modules
Students take modules to the value of 10 credits from the following:		10
NU6085	Wound Care for Healthcare Professionals (5)
NU6158	Evidence Based Cervical Screening (10)
NU5077	Diabetes Management (5)
GP5100	Diabetes in Primary Care (10)
NU5085	Obesity Management and Prevention Training for Healthcare Professionals (5)
Total Credits		60

Examinations

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

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Practice Nursing (NFQ Level 9, Major Award) (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, 2005, p12)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Enhance clinical nursing practice through the application of well-assimilated policy, theoretical, and practical knowledge;
  
• Exercise accountability within clinical, ethical and professional boundaries of the role of practice nursing;
  
• Critically appraise and evaluate current research evidence and best practice for practice nursing and its implications for practice in primary care;
  
• Evaluate the effectiveness of individual outcomes against specialist intervention plans for individuals and their families in primary care;
  
• Synthesise health related issues for the development of intervention/service responses appropriate to the needs of individuals and their families in primary care;
  
• Contribute as a learned member of the multidisciplinary team in the delivery of quality healthcare for individuals and families within the context of practice nursing;
  
• Act as a means of professional support, educator and role model for the provision of lifelong learning to ensure on-going professional development.