Orthopaedic Nursing

PgCert
Nursing and midwifery

Course details

The Postgraduate Certificate in Orthopaedic (Trauma) Nursing will prepare you to exercise an advanced level of clinical judgment and practice – beyond what is required of a registered general nurse (RGN) – in your specialist area of orthopaedics trauma.

This certificate aims to assist you in taking a leading role in advancing and developing nursing and midwifery in this area, and effecting policy change in professional practice and health service provision.

The programme is delivered part-time over a single semester, with an option to complete the programme over a period of up to three years if necessary.

Course codes

Strand A (RCSI/Cappagh): C1070A1CAPPAGH
Strand B (RCSI only): C1070A1TRAUMA

A blended learning approach is utilised in this programme, to promote lifelong learning and professional development for all nursing staff.

The programme modules are:

Module name Credits Assessment method
Principles of Orthopaedic Trauma Nursing 10 Assignment
Core Concepts of Trauma Care 10 Assignment
Consolidating and Advancing practice in Trauma Care Nursing 10 Assignment

This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to:

  • Explore problem-solving skills in the area of planned orthopaedic nursing.
  • Prepare a comprehensive care plan using advanced problem solving skills for a patient undergoing elective interventions for orthopaedic problems.
  • Critically discuss the principles associated with the management of common orthopaedic traumatic injuries.
  • Explore problem-solving skills in the area of orthopaedic trauma nursing.
  • Consolidate knowledge in relation to the development of bone, its composition, development of muscle, fracture healing, the terminology used in musculoskeletal assessment, musculoskeletal anatomy and the implications for patients of specific investigations performed to evaluate a musculoskeletal condition or injury.

If you wish to progress your studies after completing this Postgraduate Certificate, you can choose to complete a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) and a Master of Science (MSc). The PgDip and the MSc programmes share anchor modules facilitating the development of knowledge and skills in research, leadership and refection and clinical competencies by way of a clinical practicum.

We are proud to be a recognised University of the National University of Ireland (NUI). All RCSI programmes are accredited by the NUI. This programme is also professionally accredited by the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland as a Category 2 Post Registration course.

Recognition by ministries and bodies in other jurisdictions must be determined by the individual applicants.