Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Specialist Practice)

The Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Specialist Practice) is aimed at newly graduated nurses. The programme aims to prepare graduates to: (1) provide person centred, high quality and evidence-based care in specialist practice settings and (2) function effectively, safely and within their scope of practice in these settings. Students’ complete three modules while continuing to work in the clinical setting for the duration of the programme. Over the duration of the programme students will complete two placements in specialist settings each of three months duration. During each placement the student will develop and implement a learning contract. The learning contract will set out the learning outcomes to be achieved during the placement. In addition, students’ skills competency will be assessed at a minimum of two points in the programme (Semester 1 + Semester 2). The taught components of the programme will be delivered through blended learning. Blended learning is an innovative learning/teaching strategy which combines face-to-face with on-line learning. Most learning/teaching will be delivered on-line through Blackboard, an interactive learning system, which connects directly to a home computer. Students are required to attend face-to-face workshops for a total of 9 days over the programme. In addition to attending workshops, students are expected to engage on-line. To meet the programme learning outcomes students must complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours in specialist practice settings.  

Programme content

Taught Modules
Managing Client Care in Specialist Settings (Runs across Semester 1 and 2)
Physical Assessment Skills (Semester 1)
Clinical Governance: Supporting Safe Practice (Semester 2)

Clinical Component
Competency Assessment I
Competency Assessment II