Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Practice (Rural Critical Care)

Course J03RC (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Year and Campus: 2010 - Parkville
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Duration & Credit Points: 50 credit points taken over 12 months part time.

Coordinator

Please contact Nursing

Contact

Nursing
Melbourne School of Health Sciences
The University of Melbourne
Level 5, 234 Queensberry St
Carlton Victoria 3010 AUSTRALIA
T: +61 3 8344 9401
F: +61 3 9347 4375
E: nursing-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
W: www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au

Course Overview: The Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Practice is a 50 point 4th year coursework program offered with or without clinical specialisation depending on the program of study undertaken.

It can be taken as a stand-alone award, or as 50 points toward the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice (100 points) or the Master of Advanced Nursing Practice (200 points).

The Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Practice with bracketed specialization comprises two (2) mandated 25 credit point subjects for the relevant specialty stream. These subjects provide an integrated program of learning focusing on foundational theoretical knowledge to inform beginning level specialty practice. Each subject includes both a theoretical component and a field practice component. In recognition of the objectives and content of these subjects they are referred to as 'Foundation' specialty subjects. In recognition of the time taken to develop specialty clinical skills, one foundation subject is offered in first semester and the second is offered in second semester.

Therefore the Postgraduate Certificate with bracketed specialization is only offered part time over two semesters.

In order to exit the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Practice with a bracketed specialization, students must complete 50 points of mandated subjects as prescribed for each specialization. The specialization groups are arranged into cognate areas.

The 4 Cognate Areas include:

Acute and Critical Care

- Anaesthetics

- Critical Care

- Emergency

- Perioperative

- Rural Critical Care

Cancer and Palliative Care

Mental Health

Paediatrics

Objectives: The Postgraduate Certificate aims to provide the opportunity for nurses to extend their undergraduate nursing knowledge and skills into an area of specialty nursing practice. Upon completion of the course it is therefore expected that students will have:
  • a sound understanding of the scientific knowledge and research based evidence that underpins skill development specific to a specialty area of nursing practice;
  • the ability theoretical knowledge to understand the practice of providing care to individuals experiencing specific disturbances to health and well-being that require specialty nursing interventions;
  • skills in critical inquiry relevant to a chosen specialty area of nursing practice;
  • the ability to communicate an understanding of the theoretical basis for practice both verbally and in a written form;
  • problem solving skills appropriate for delivery and evaluation of patient care as a specialty practice nurse;
  • life long learning skills that facilitate knowledge and skill development as a specialty practice nurse and the ability to undertake ongoing professional development in preparation for more advanced levels of specialty practice;
  • demonstrated clinical competencies in a workplace environment assessed by clinical experts to be at a beginning competency level as benchmarked against Australian specialty practice competencies.
Course Structure & Available Subjects: The Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Practice with bracketed specialization comprises two (2) mandated 25 credit point subjects for the relevant specialty stream.
Subject Options:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Entry Requirements:

Please visit the Nursing website for Entry Requirements

Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s courses. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to clinical/field work activities. Students who think their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Course Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.
Graduate Attributes: To be advised
Links to further information: http://www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au

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