The aim of this module is to provide the student nurse with knowledge and appreciation of fundamental principles of psychology, sociology and philosophy as these apply to nursing practice in specific population groups. This module was validated by the University of Galway at Level 8 in line with their policy.

1. Have an understanding of the psychological issues likely to affect care across the lifespan in specific population groups e.g. attachment theory, coping etc.

2. Describe the psychological impact of altered health on specific populations in different settings.

3. Discuss the psychological basis of memory and forgetting as it relates to care of the older person.

4. Discuss the sociological issues likely to affect care across the lifespan in specific population groups e.g. culture, family socialization.

5. Discuss the concepts of stigma and labelling as social constructions.

6. Discuss the role of the nurse as a social advocate for vulnerable minorities.

7. Describe the charter for Human Rights and discuss its application to marginalized groups.

8. Discuss ethical issues in caring for children, adolescents, young adults and their families/advocates.

This module will assist in supporting the student to develop an understanding of the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics to underpin nursing practice. It also encompasses medications that act on the neurologic and neuromuscular system as well as those used in the treatment of pain. Drugs used to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular and hematological system disorders will also be reviewed. This module will also allow students to develop a working knowledge of the drug therapies used in endocrine disorders as well exploring the indications and actions for both anti- inflammatory and anti- infective drugs. Finally, the legal, professional and ethical issues related to medication management will be reviewed. This module was validated by the University of Galway at Level 8 in line with their policy.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics

2. Discuss the indications, actions and potential adverse- effects of;

Autonomic Nervous System, Neurologic and Neuromuscular drugs
Pain medications

3.

Identify the use, actions, adverse- effects and contraindications of;

Cardiovascular drugs
Hematologic drugs

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the uses and actions of:

Gastrointestinal drugs
Drugs of the endocrine system

5. Discuss the actions and adverse- effects of:

Respiratory drugs
Anti- inflammatory/ immunomodulating drugs -Anti- infective drugs

6. Demonstrate knowledge of professional, ethical and legal issues in medication management

The module will facilitate students to gain a theoretical, evidence informed understanding of the role of the nurse in promoting health across various settings. The module will provide students with an insight into the health promotion models and their application in supporting behaviour change. Preventive healthcare will be discussed and students will develop the knowledge and communication skills for promoting healthy lifestyles and health behaviour change. This module was validated by the University of Galway at Level 8 in line with their policy.

1. Demonstrate an understanding and awareness of health, lifestyle influences on health and key health recommendations

2.

Demonstrate an understanding of the health promotion models

3. Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the application of health promotion models to health behaviours

4. Describe a needs assessment and discuss its relevance to the health of individuals, groups and community

5. Discuss the role and responsibilities of the nurse in promoting the health and wellbeing of population groups in different health promotion settings

6. Identify the factors that contribute to health inequalities and describe the role of the nurse in contributing to tacking these inequalities

7. To demonstrate an understanding of the concept of screening and its application in promoting the health and wellness of individuals/groups/communities

8. Demonstrate an understanding and application of skills in a supportive, encouraging manner for health behavior change

In this module the student will have the opportunity to further develop knowledge and skills in a range of psychomotor nursing skills in the simulated environment. The student will have the opportunity to develop their understanding of healthcare safety and evidence-based care. They will be supported in developing their critical thinking in relation to assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing interventions. This module was validated by the University of Galway at Level 8 in line with their policy.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to ensure safety in the healthcare/community setting.

2. Demonstrate knowledge and skill in using a range of specific assessment tools and recognize and discuss how to report abnormal findings.

3. Demonstrate understanding of the person’s right to consent and demonstrate ability to gain consent

4. Demonstrate knowledge, safety and competence in a simulated environment in a range of fundamental nursing skills.

5. Demonstrate the ability to source evidence and use evidence in the evaluation of nursing interventions

The aim of this module is to introduce the students to research and the concept of Evidence Informed Practice and the principles of health care research. It will provide the nursing student with an understanding of the application of the research process to enhance evidence informed nursing practice. This module was validated by the University of Galway at Level 8 in line with their policy.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of what constitutes evidence informed practice.

2. Demonstrate information literacy skills by sourcing evidence, searching the literature for evidence based nursing.

3. Critically read and apply a basic interpretation of qualitative research studies.

4. Critically read and apply a basic interpretation of quantitative research studies

5. Discuss the ethical issues associated with carrying out research to generate evidence.

6. Explore the application of guidelines to inform practice.

7. Demonstrate an understanding of health informatics.

This module will support the student to develop an understanding of the central and peripheral nervous system. The anatomy and physiology of the blood, muscular system, skeletal system and the urinary system is also included. The structure and function of the reproductive system and the principles of embryology and genetics will be explored in this module. The module aims to provide the key resources and skills required to equip the student to develop a lifelong approach to the study of biological science to underpin nursing practice. This knowledge will also underpin the students understanding of key pathophysiological processes and pharmacology.

This module was validated by the University of Galway at Level 8 in line with their policy.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the peripheral nervous system

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of the skeletal system

4. Describe the structure and function of the muscular system

5. Describe the structure and function of the urinary system

6. Demonstrate understanding of the components and functions of blood

7. Demonstrate understanding of structure and function of the reproductive system and the principles of embryology

8. Describe the principles of genetics

The aim of this module is to facilitate the student to further develop key knowledge underpinning holistic, person- centred nursing practice using a nursing diagnosis approach to patient care in the acute surgical/medical settings. Evidence based nursing practice for the patient with an acute altered health state of the nervous, urinary, musculoskeletal and reproductive system will be addressed. The integrated model for long term community nursing with reference to relevant altered physiological states will be delivered.

This module was validated by the University of Galway at Level 8 in line with their policy.

1. Describe the nursing assessment of the patient with an altered respiratory, integumentary, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal function.

2. Describe the altered physiology of the nervous, urinary, musculoskeletal and reproductive system.

3. Discuss the nursing care of people undergoing the key clinical investigations.

4. Applying a nursing diagnosis approach, critically demonstrate an understanding of holistic evidenced-based person-centred nursing care of patient with altered nervous, urinary, musculoskeletal and reproductive function.

5. Discuss the key pharmacological approaches to the management of the patient with the altered physiology in relation to the altered nervous, urinary, musculoskeletal and reproductive function.

6. Initialising the care planning, self-care plan and triage to the appropriate delivery of care as identified in the integrated model.

7. Critically discuss the integrated model for long term community nursing

In this module students will gain knowledge and competence of person-centred nursing care in the practice setting. Students will have the opportunity to develop their understanding of patient- safety and its application in the health care setting. Students will develop competence in a range of psychomotor nursing skills and will have the opportunity to explore the underpinning principles through an evidence-based reflective approach. Students will develop their skills in undertaking patient assessment, care planning and implementing and evaluation of care using a person-centred, safe and evidence based approach.

This module was validated by the University of Galway at Level 8 in line with their policy.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of patient safety within the healthcare setting.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the person-centred care planning process. Demonstrate the ability to perform and document the nursing admission assessment of patients, nursing assessment tools, symptom analysis, and participate in the planning and implementation of individualized, holistic, person-centred care.

3. Demonstrate knowledge and clinical competence in a range of fundamental nursing skills.

4. Demonstrate the ability to engage with health and social care professionals and participate in inter disciplinary collaboration in the practice setting.

5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of specialist client groups and settings.

6. Demonstrate the ability to participate in the reflective process and apply a reflective model to an area of practice

7. Demonstrate competence in dosage calculation for oral, liquid medicines and injections

8. Source and discuss evidence with regard to nursing interventions based on best international practice

This module will support the student to develop an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic and immune systems, endocrine system, special senses, and the principles of microbiology to underpin nursing practice. The module aims to provide the key resources and skills required to equip the student to develop a lifelong approach to the study of biological science and application to nursing practice. This knowledge will also underpin the students understanding of key pathophysiological processes and pharmacology.

This module was validated by the University of Galway at Level 8 in line with their policy.

1. Show understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system

2. Demonstrate understanding of non-specific and specific immunity

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of the endocrine system

4. Demonstrate understanding of the special senses

5. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of microbiology

This module facilitates the student to develop an understanding of the self-management support model in the context of individuals living with a chronic condition in various population groups. They will be afforded an opportunity to further develop knowledge of effective communication strategies within a health behaviour change context. The importance of empowerment in this context will be examined and the use of Health Coaching as a mechanism for supporting self-management of chronic conditions will be developed.

This module was validated by the University of Galway at Level 8 in line with their policy.

1. Discuss self-management support in the context of individuals living with chronic conditions

2. Critically discuss the empowerment and partnership approach necessary with individuals with chronic conditions

3. Critically evaluate integrated models of care delivery in relation to self-management support.

4. Critically discuss health behaviour change strategies utilised in supporting individuals with chronic conditions

5. Explore the spirit of motivational interviewing and the core principles that underpin this approach insupporting an individual and their families dealing with a chronic condition.

6. Discuss the application of Health Coaching relative to self-management support.

7. Demonstrate effective responses to patient ambivalence or resistance in the self-management of chronic conditions

8. Discuss the importance of goal setting in the context of supporting self-management.

9. Discuss how eHealth can be utilised to support self-management in individuals with chronic conditions

10. Discuss the value of social prescribing as it relates to those living with chronic conditions

In this module the student will have the opportunity to further develop knowledge and skills in a range of complex psychomotor nursing skills in the simulated environment. The students will be introduced to advanced process of assessment through general survey and body system assessment. The student will develop skills regarding the recognition and management of the deteriorating patient/client through the use of person-centred scenarios. The student will continue to develop their understanding of safety and evidence-based care. They will be supported in developing their critical thinking in relation to assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing interventions

This module was validated by the University of Galway at Level 8 in line with their policy.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to ensure safety in the healthcare/community setting.

2. Demonstrate knowledge and skill in using a range of specific assessment tools and recognize and discuss how to report abnormal findings.

3. Demonstrate understanding of the person’s right to consent and demonstrate ability to gain consent

4. Demonstrate knowledge, safety and competence in a simulated environment in a range of fundamental nursing skills.

5. Demonstrate knowledge and competence in advanced process of nursing assessment and recognize signs of deterioration

6. Demonstrate understanding of nursing interventions in the management of deteriorating conditions and appropriate recording and reporting mechanisms.

7. Demonstrate the ability to source evidence and use evidence in the evaluation of nursing interventions

This module will facilitate students to gain a theoretical, evidence informed understanding of the diverse role of the nurse in supporting older persons and their carers living across various settings. The module will provide students with an opportunity to reflect on attitudes towards older persons and introduce students to the underpinning theories relating to older persons. The concept of person centred care, self-care and independence will be critically analyzed. The module aims to enhance students care planning skills in regard to contemporary issues relating to older persons and develop their critical thinking in delivering holistic person centred care.

This module was validated by the University of Galway at Level 8 in line with their policy.

1. Critically discuss the concept of ageism and its relevance to person centred older people care.

2. Describe the physiological, psychological and sociological theories of ageing.

3. Discuss relevant policy, guidelines, legislation and research evidence that underpins the provision of health and social care for older persons.

4. Critically discuss the altered health status of contemporary health conditions which are relevant to older persons.

5. Applying a person centred care planning approach, critically demonstrate an understanding of person centred assessment and evidence based nursing care of contemporary health conditions which are relevant to older persons.

6. Critique the approaches needed to promote independent living for the older person.

7. Critically examine the role of the nurse in supporting older persons in the transition phases in their life.

8. Critically examine the nurse’s role in promoting the health and wellbeing of carers supporting older persons.

This module will focus on providing students with an understanding of theories of leadership and management in nursing and how they relate to the registered nurse. Factors that affect the nurse as a leader in the practice setting including power, change, practice development, motivation, conflict resolution, decision making, and collaborative practice will be explored. This module was validated by the University of Galway at Level 8 in line with their policy.

1. Critically evaluate the concepts that underpin leadership and management as it applies to nursing practice.

2. Critically analyse the concept of power particularly in relation to healthcare organisations.

3. Critically analyse issues related to teamwork in nursing practice.

4. Appraise the use of motivational theory in nursing practice.

5. Critically analyse the underpinning theory of decision making and problem-solving in nursing practice.

6. Critically analyse approaches to managing conflict and evaluate their use in nursing practice.

7. Critically evaluate the nature and theories of change management as it applies to nursing practice.

8. Appraise the process and theories underpinning practice development in nursing practice.

The aim of this module is to provide the student nurse with knowledge and appreciation of fundamental principles of psychology, sociology and philosophy as these apply in the management of individuals/groups in specific populations requiring long term support/care.

This module was validated by the University of Galway at Level 8 in line with their policy.

1. Discuss the impact of chronic illness on an individuals psychological wellbeing.

2. Demonstrate the use of behavioural change theory in facilitating an individual to achieve their health goals.

3. Explore the concept of organizational psychology as it applies to the organization of health services at local and national level.

4. Discuss the role of social policy and its impact on health care provision

5. Compare the social construction of health care provision in Ireland with one other country.

6. Discuss the role of economics and resource allocation as it applies to health care.

7. Describe the role of the nurse in upholding professional and ethical standards in the safeguarding of people.

8. Be able to discuss the concept of elder abuse as a moral issue.

9. Ethical issues surrounding the older person and end of life care.

10. Discuss the role of the nurse in applying ethical principles to identify and understand poor professional practice, challenge unprofessional behaviour and report abuse.

The aim of this module is to facilitate the student to develop key knowledge underpinning person- centred nursing practice in community settings. Current primary healthcare systems and practice supporting patients with the four prevalent long term conditions – cancer, diabetes, heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will be explored. Other endocrine disorders and sensory disorders will also be addressed. The concept of empowerment, self-management and health informatics will be a key focus of the module. The professional values and conduct of the nurse, health promotion, concepts of altered health states, and principles of evidence based nursing will be integrated throughout this module.

1.

Critically explore the model integrated care in Ireland.

2. Critically discuss the empowerment and partnership approach with people who have a long term or life limiting condition.

3. Critically explore the nurses scope of practice in community care.

4. Critically discuss health behaviour change strategies and ehealth to support self-management with people with long term and life limiting conditions.

5. Critically discuss the key roles played by each member of the primary care team in the care of the person with long term and life limiting illnesses in the community.

6. Critically evaluate integrated models of care delivery in relation to nursing the ill adult with cancer, diabetes, other endocrine disorders, heart failure, COPD and sensory disorders.

7. Critically discuss person-centred care of the ill adult with cancer, diabetes, other endocrine disorders, heart failure, COPD and sensory disorders.

8. Critically discuss the pharmacological management of cancer, diabetes, other endocrine disorders, heart failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and sensory disorders

In this module the student will have the opportunity to develop further knowledge and skills in relation to maintaining patient safety in the healthcare environment, in addition students will also acquire fundamental knowledge of the process of quality improvement that supports safe quality patient care. The student will perform and have the opportunity to link theory and practice while delivering evidence-based, safe, holistic care. The student will be supported in developing their critical thinking in relation to assessment, implementation and evaluation of nursing interventions. The student will explore care transition and best practice to support patients and carers. The student will critically discuss professional perspectives (e.g. Code of Conduct and Ethics; Scope of Practice) and identify the implications for the nursing student. The student will gain key knowledge of the principles of collaborative practice, advocacy and clinical decision making from which to apply to their clinical experience. The student will be supported in developing their self-awareness and reflective ability.

1. Discuss and demonstrate health and safety principles as it applies to a range of health care environments and community settings and explore the process of quality improvement as it applies to safe quality patient care.

2. Demonstrate competence in patient assessment, formulation of nursing diagnosis, identification of SMART goals, evidence based nursing interventions and evaluation of patient goals and illustrate in individualised, personalised plans of care which respect individual / family values and preferences while recognising the principles of best practice, autonomy, quality of care and safety.

3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of specialist client groups and settings andidentify a range of specific adjunctive assessment tools and discuss the contribution that such tools make toward person centred evidence based care.

4. Demonstrate competence in team working, collaborative practice, advocacy and clinical decision making.

5. Demonstrate the ability to implement integrated care guidance in facilitating the discharge process.

6. Critically discussion of professional perspectives (e.g. Code of Conduct and Ethics; Scope of Practice) and identify the implications for the nursing student.

7. Demonstrate competence in dosage calculation for oral, liquid medicines and injections.

8. Discuss personal, professional development and outline steps taken to enhance personal resilienceand nursing practice.

The aim of this module is to facilitate the student to augment, integrate and critically appraise key evidence based nursing knowledge learned to date and holistically apply person centred, evidence-based nursing care to the acutely ill adult or an adult at the end of life. Concepts of altered health states, and principles of holistic evidence based nursing will be integrated throughout this module. Further development of critical thinking, reflection, and problem solving skill will be a feature of this module.

1. Critically describe altered physiology relating to the acutely ill adult.

2. Critically evaluate the principles underpinning the recognition, reporting and response to critical signs of changes or deterioration in a patient’s health status.

3. Critically evaluate the principles underpinning holistic evidence based nursing for the acutely ill adult.

4. Critically discuss the holistic person-centred care of the adult with a haematological disorder.

5. Critically describe of the principles and philosophy of palliative care for a person with a life-limiting condition in the acute and community setting.

6. Critically discuss pharmacological management of patients at the end of life.

7. Critically discuss the key roles played by each member of the multidisciplinary team in the care of patients at the end of life in acute and community settings.

In this module the student will have the opportunity to further develop knowledge and skills in a range of complex psychomotor nursing skills in the simulated environment.The student, through the Compass Training programme will further develop skills for the recognition and management of the deteriorating patient/client through the use of person-centred scenarios. The student will continue to develop their understanding of safety and evidence-based care. They will be supported in developing their critical thinking in relation to assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing interventions

1. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to ensure safety in the healthcare/community setting.

2. Demonstrate knowledge and skill in using a range of specific assessment tools and recognize and discuss how to report abnormal findings.

3. Demonstrate understanding of the person’s right to consent and demonstrate ability to gain consent

4. Demonstrate knowledge and competence in a simulated environment in a range of fundamental nursing skills.

5. Demonstrate knowledge and competence in advanced process of nursing assessment and recognize signs of deterioration

6. Demonstrate understanding of nursing interventions in the management of deteriorating conditions and appropriate recording and reporting mechanisms.

7. Demonstrate the ability to source evidence and use evidence in the evaluation of nursing interventions

This module will build on the module Introduction to Research in Year 2. It will introduce the students to the critical approach required to ensure optimum use of current, best, available evidence in clinical decision making. The challenges associated with implementing evidence informed nursing will be explored. Their role as nurses in the implementation of research informed evidence in their daily practice will also be addressed. This will be evidenced in their ability to develop a literature review that identifies an issue arising from their area of practice, develops this into a focused question, systematically searches for evidence (primary and secondary sources) to answer this question and critiques the evidence to determine if it can be implemented in practice. The process of using current evidence to create health and social care guidelines will be advanced. Facilitators and inhibitors to the implementation of evidence in practice and change management strategies will also be addressed.

1. Appraise the cycle of evidence informed practice in the process of implementing evidence informed practice.

2. Demonstrate an ability to systematically search a body of evidence and critically appraise published research.

3. Debate the tools utilised for the dissemination of research evidence to health care practitioners.

4. Evaluate the factors facilitating and inhibiting the use of research as a source of EBP.

5. Critically analyse evidence in the context of clinical decision making, clinical effectiveness and clinical governance.

6. Demonstrate ability to use a reference management system.

7. Construct a literature review related to their area of nursing practice.

The aim of this module is to build upon the previous module ‘The Nurse as a Leader 1’ and advance student’s knowledge, understanding and competence in clinical nursing leadership. Leadership is within the scope of all nurses. Contemporary healthcare systems require distributed, and empowered clinical nursing leadership at all levels (Policy, board room, individual, specialist and MDT). The public and nursing profession require leaders who will stand by their core professional, personal values and beliefs to do the right thing. Patients and healthcare users expect nurse leaders that understand how healthcare systems work, and have the competence to confront the context of the many critical challenges of leading, managing and delivering high quality, safe, evidence based nursing care and services within the 21st century. Students will also explore the role of nurse leaders as drivers and major contributors to healthcare policy across education, research and practice development.

1. Examine the changing context of healthcare and the opportunities, and challenges this presents for nurses;

2. Critically explore the influence of organizational culture on nursing practice specifically the development of patient safety cultures.

3. Critically examine the attributes of effective clinical leadership in nursing practice.

4. Develop an understanding of policy development within healthcare and its impact on nursing, healthcaredelivery.

5. Critically appraise the process and theories underpinning quality improvement in healthcare.

6. Critically analyse the concept of clinical governance and its application to nursing practice.

7. Critically analyse the theories underpinning resource allocation and financial management in healthcare.

8. Develop professional scholarship through reflection, learning from experience and engagement in professional activity such as clinical audit to measure and adapt nursing interventions.

This module will be delivered across the final year of the programme. Students will explore leadership and clinical decision making, collaborative practice, team working; health and safety, quality improvement approaches within the context of clinical governance. During the clinical experience the student will be facilitated to develop leadership, evidence based decision making and effective team working. The student will be expected to demonstrate an acute awareness and ability to deliver and manage evidence based person-centred nursing care. The student will enhance their reflective skills and demonstrate the ability to facilitate self-learning and the learning of others.

1. Demonstrate competence in the application of the evidence based nursing and clear application of the principles of quality and safety in relation to patient care and the health care environment.

2. Demonstrate leadership skills required to effectively manage health care for a group of patients and to work effectively as a team member; demonstrating creativity and innovation applicable to supporting safe patient care, change, quality improvement and effective team working.

3. Demonstrate and critically analyse the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of person-centred nursing care.

4. Critically discuss the implementation of best international practice and present person centred plans that incorporate the persons altered health indicators and recovery and demonstrating knowledge ability torecognise and respond to early warning signs of critical changes in a persons health status.

5. Explore the role of Robotic technology in advancing health care assessment and patient care management.

6. Demonstrate the ability to apply analytical skills in problem solving, critical thinking, reasoning, synthesis for application to nursing practice situations, and evidence based clinical decisions.

7. Demonstrate through reflection the development of resilience and mindfulness while considering the continuous learning of others and self.

8. Demonstrate competence in the skills required for safe medication practice with the more complex problem solving and calculations associated with injectable medicine therapy.