Graduate Certificate in Nursing Practice (Paediatrics)

The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Practice (Paediatrics) is a 50 credit point, part-time, clinical coursework program of one year's duration. Students typically take four 12.5 credit point subjects across a year. Admission is based on a Bachelor of Nursing degree (or equivalent training), at least one year of clinical experience in an acute care setting within the five years prior to applying for the course, and current employment and clinical support in a Paediatrics work environment.

The course delivers theoretical content through a combination of on-line study and face to face course delivery at the partner hospital for the clinical speciality. The students’ employing hospital provides clinical practice in a hospital setting.

Students complete 50 credit points of study part-time, over a year, commencing in January with an on-line subject, completing a face to face subject at the partner hospital each semester and a supervised clinical practice subject at their employing hospital across the whole study period.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Practice (Paediatrics) provides students with a sound understanding of the scientific knowledge and research based evidence that underpins skill development specific to paediatric nursing. Students develop the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to understand the practice of providing care to paediatric patients. On completion students have the clinical competencies to practice paediatric nursing at a beginning competency level as benchmarked against Australian specialty practice competencies.

The course is a 50 credit point program which follows the structure below with mandated subject options.

Mandated subjects

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• either
– a Master of Nursing Science, or
– a Bachelor of Nursing (or equivalent qualification);
and
• at least one year of documented clinical experience as a Registered Nurse working in an acute or sub-acute healthcare service within the preceding five years from the time of application; and
• current unrestricted registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (courses with clinical components only); and
• current employment and evidence of clinical support in your specialty area (courses with clinical components only).
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee entry.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance; and
• the clinical experience.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

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 programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Students may progress to the Masters of Advanced Nursing Practice, receiving advanced standing for 50 credit points completed in the certificate level course.

The Melbourne Experience enables our graduates to become: Academically excellent: have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s) reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies Knowledgeable across disciplines: examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects have the capacity
to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment Leaders in communities: initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations mentor future generations of learners engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs Attuned to cultural diversity: value different cultures be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our
community respect indigenous knowledge, cultures and values Active global citizens: accept social and civic responsibilities be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics.