Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice (Mental Health)

Course J04MH (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Year and Campus: 2011 - Parkville
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Duration & Credit Points: 100 credit points taken over 12 months full time. This course is available as full or 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 Diploma in Nursing Practice is a 100 point 4th year coursework program offered with clinical field practice competency requirements. Workplace accredited clinical competency achievement in the context of full unrestricted registration with the Nurses Board of Victoria (NBV) and employment is mandated for the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice.

Depending on subject selection the award is available as a generic qualification or with bracketed specialization to acknowledge the nursing specialty that is the focus of the student's studies.

The course may be taken full time over 2 semesters or part time over 3 - 4 semesters.
Objectives: Overall the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice aims to provide the opportunity for nurses to extend their nursing knowledge into an area of specialty nursing to develop a level of clinical competence considered to be consistent with proficient specialty practice. Upon completion of the course it is therefore expected that students will have the attributes described for the Postgraduate Certificate and in acknowledgment of the greater depth and complexity of knowledge incorporated in the Postgraduate Diploma achieve the following additional objectives:
  • the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to understand the practice of providing holistic nursing care to individuals experiencing a complex range of disturbances to health and well-being that require complex specialty nursing interventions;
  • an understanding of the professional issues impacting upon specialty nursing and the wider nursing profession;
  • a beginning understanding of the international context and sensitivities of the specialty area;
  • a capacity to engage where appropriate with issues in contemporary society that impact on and are impacted by specialty nursing practice;
  • an appreciation of the ways in which evidence based practice guides specialty practice and how specialty knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the specialty area;
  • an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of research as it relates to the development of evidence based practice;
  • a critical reader of nursing literature and a capacity to articulate knowledge and understanding of specialty practice in oral and written presentations;
  • a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work.
  • demonstrated clinical competencies in a workplace environment assessed by clinical experts to be at a proficient level as benchmarked against Australian specialty practice competencies.
Course Structure & Available Subjects: Mandated Points: 87.5 credit points

75 credit points mandated specialty subjects including 50 credit points of 'foundation' subjects;AND 12.5 credit points comprising EITHER 514831 Evidence for Practice; OR an approved alternative 4th year research familiarization subject

Elective Points: 12.5 credit points

Chosen from any 4th year subjects offered within or external to the School of Nursing.

Total Points: 100 credit points

Full time - 50 credit points each semester
Subject Options:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1
12.50
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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