Course details
Continuing professional development is a key professional requirement for nurses and post graduate academic qualifications have been linked to positive patient outcomes through improved communication, expanded knowledge and stronger critical thinking skills. Though many postgraduate learning opportunities exist for nurses across a large number of clinical areas, limited opportunities exist for those working in the operating department (outside of larger Band 1 hospitals) and none exist which prepare the nurse to care for the pre and post-operative surgical patient in a ward setting at an enhanced level.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Care of the Surgical Patient) is a fully-accredited online six-month part-time programme aimed to address this gap. This exciting and clinically relevant programme offers participants the opportunity to consolidate and expand their knowledge in the care of the surgical patient, thus enhancing care, whilst at the same time allowing for flexibility within the workforce. The programme is designed in such a way as to allow students to choose the path most suited to their clinical practice: Pre and Postoperative Care; or Care in the Perioperative setting. The programme complements RCSI’s focus on surgical practice and support the provision of efficient, safe, and advanced high-quality healthcare, which enables people to live long and healthy lives.
The programme provides a foundation for those wishing to progress further to the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Care of the Surgical Patient) during which research, leadership and critical analysis skills acquired will further the students’ skills as a member of the interdisciplinary team.
Course code: C3280A1