The aim of this module is to provide the student with an awareness of human pathophysiology and its relationship to the clinical presentation and progression of disease. P athophysiology is a fundamental component of the module as knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms of disease enhances the validity and performance of the assessment. It gives nurses a strong scientific basis for trusting their findings, communicating them confidently to other members of the MDT and most significantly influencing clinical decision-making and subsequent interventions.

The module will take a systems-based approach, focusing on presentations which commonly occur in both primary and secondary settings. Emphasis will be on early identification of disease and prevention of acute exacerbation of chronic disease using a universal person-centred care approach.

Comprehensive health and medical history taking, head-to-toe basic physical assessment skills (B-PAS) (inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation), key diagnostics and laboratory investigations will be taught in conjunction with pathophysiology knowledge, as the evidence suggests these skills help nurses prepare for high acuity clinical scenarios and enhance nurses ability to identify and respond to client deterioration. Demonstration and student practice of these skills will take place during on-site workshop days using simulated patient scenarios. The skills shall be demonstrated to students by ATU lecturers experienced in teaching physical assessment skills and with the assistance of adjunct lecturers and experienced nurse specialists from clinical partner sites. The module will equip students with the knowledge of how and why disease develops, in turn informing their clinical decision-making to ensure the delivery of the safest and highest quality of patient care.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the pathophysiology of common major illness’ ,related clinical investigations and application in physical assessment .
2. Identify the risk factors associated with common major illness and related methods of screening and prevention.
3. Undertake a comprehensive health history of a patient presenting with a health problem in a primary or secondary care setting.
4. Conduct a health-to-toe basic physical assessment of a patient using the skills of Assessment, Auscultation, Percussion and Palpation.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of differential nursing diagnoses, diagnostics needed and resultant patient treatment
6. Record patient findings and interpretation accurately and comprehensibly in written and oral formats.
7. Appreciate the link between pathophysiological knowledge and the performance of physical assessment skills, its influence on clinical decision-making and nursing interventions.

The module aims to facilitate students in developing critical awareness and knowledge of contemporary issues and their influence on both the profession and practice of nursing.

1. Critically explore contemporary nursing: epistemology and ontology.
2. Appraise the influence of technological, digital and socio-cultural factors on the profession and practice of nursing.

3. Critically discuss contemporary concepts in nursing practice and their influence on society and healthcare systems.
4. Analyse contemporary ethical issues in nursing practice.
5. Critically analyse the influence of climate change, sustainability, resilience on nurses and their role in society.
6. Evaluate current practice developments and future career pathways in nursing.
7. Critically explore nursing in the future.

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to key concepts in patient safety and in nursing and healthcare. This module examines the key operating frameworks which govern safe and effective care from a regulatory, operational and professional perspective.

Students will focus on the reduction of risk to patients and will have the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in promoting patient safety in practice.

1. Critically discuss the nature of health and social care regulation in Ireland.
2. Articulate the factors which impact on the delivery of quality, safe care for service users and their families.
3. Critically evaluate the importance of a systematic approach to care within the context of safe, effective nursing care outcomes.
4. Critically discuss the various legislative, policy and regulatory issues which underpin safe effective care in Ireland
5. Demonstrate an ability to respond appropriately to a complaint about an alleged shortfall in the standards of care of a service user.

This module facilitates a wide-ranging exploration of the concept of chronic disease, and its prevention and management and the role of the nurse in promoting health and wellbeing.

The focus of the module content is on common chronic diseases in the context of multidisciplinary approaches to promoting health, enhancing quality of life and wellbeing for individuals and families.

In keeping with Slaintecare principles, consideration of approaches to chronic disease management across the primary, secondary and tertiary care setting and the use of telehealth (remote monitoring, telephone triage, virtual clinics, electronic records, digital health) will be addressed.

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the epidemiology and causes of major chronic diseases.
2. Critically analyse the challenges and complexities of chronic disease careand the pivotal position of the nurse within multidisciplinary team approaches to management

3. Recognise the impact of chronic disease on an individual’s wellbeing.
4. Critically discuss e-health technology and its role in chronic disease management.

5. Appreciate the importance of utilising health behaviour change frameworks to support individuals living with chronic disease.
6. Critically evaluate the impact of chronic disease on healthcare systems.
7. Demonstrate a critical understanding of common health promotion strategies.

This module aims to further develop the knowledge and skills registered nurses will have gained in their undergraduate registration programmes. Key fundamental skills used in research will be further developed. Students will enhance their academic writing skills with a focus on academic and research integrity principles, values and practice inclusive of Artifical Intelligence. This module is designed to equip nurses with the necessary research knowledge and skills to critically appraise research and its impact on healthcare environments. It aims to foster a deep understanding of the research process from the formulation of the research questions to the dissemination of its findings. This module will emphasise the significance of evidence-based practice and its impact on patient outcomes.

1. Critically evaluate and apply principles, values and practices of academic integrity in scholarly work, demonstrating a thorough understanding of ethical research conduct, appropriate referencing and citation skills, an appreciation of the role of artifical intelligence in research and the consequences of academic misconduct.
2. Critically evaluate each stage of the research process, including the literature review, research question formation, research design, sampling, data collection and analysis.
3. Critically evaluate existing research studies and identify areas that require further exploration on a given research topic.
4. Discuss the validity and reliability of research instruments for the collection of data, which are appropriate to the research question/hypothesis and the target population under investigation.
5. Analyse the ethical principles , debates and issues associated with research in healthcare and understand the significance of ethics boards and ethical approval for research studies.
6. Communicate research results effectively through written reports and presentations, demonstrating a clear understanding the research process.
7. Critically analyze the relationship between evidence -based practice and nursing practice.
8. Critically evaluate and apply appropriate data analysis techniques for both qualitative and quantitative research and interpret the findings to draw meaningful conclusions from the research.
9. Demonstrate the ability to use a research question framework to develop a focused clinical research question relevant to their discipline, and answerable using credible valid sources.
10. Demonstrate a structured strategy for literature searching, i.e using library technology tools and resources, using key concepts and keywords, refinement tools such as Boolean operators and limits, effective database use, referencing software and saving of results.

This module will equip students with the knowledge, competencies, and skills to support their personal and professional development to advance their leadership and management roles and responsibilities. This module will explore contemporary theories of leadership and management in the context of healthcare to enable the student to develop a deeper understanding of the skills, competencies and influences of leaders and managers as critical components to support a constantly changing work environment at a national and international level. Students will be encouraged to engage in personal reflection, to increase self-awareness and to identify strategies for personal growth. This module will also support students to enhance their interpersonal skills and relationships so they can successfully negotiate a complex and challenging healthcare environment. By integrating these elements, students will be equipped to contribute positively to their workplace culture, promote a supportive and inclusive environment, and lead collaborative efforts to improve patient care.

1. Appraise the key theoretical concepts which underpin contemporary leadership processes within organisations.
2. Articulate the importance of nursing leadership to the development of the profession.
3. Demonstrate a commitment to the support, education and teaching of patients, families and colleagues.
4. Critically evaluate the significance of effective communication and interpersonal skills required in managing complex communications in healthcare.
5. Critically appraise the importance of promoting a culture of trust, compassion, inclusion and equality within the care environment.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of self-care and its importance to personal and professional development in nursing.
7. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of ongoing reflection as a mechanism for the development of personal and professional development in nursing.
8. Demonstrate evidence of engagement with portfolio development to support future career development.