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General Nursing
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Course Details
CAO Code | AU380 |
---|---|
Level | 8 |
Duration | 4 Years |
CAO Points | 343 (2024) |
Method of Delivery | On-campus |
Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
Work placement | Yes |
Course Overview
Our Bachelor of Science (Hons) in General Nursing prepares you for a career in professional healthcare. It’s a four year course that will open up a world of opportunities to pursue a rewarding and vital role in society.
Nursing involves working with, and caring for, people suffering from a wide variety of physical health problems. This course will equip you with the necessary skills to analyse numerous problems and apply solutions based on best practice. And equally importantly, teach you how to convey your knowledge in an effective and empathetic manner.
After qualifying, you’ll be able to explore and advance your career in a wide variety of areas in the healthcare field – including as a specialist nurse in renal, oncology and orthopedics, and as either a community, public health or general practice nurse.
It’s truly a fantastic career choice, and this course will prepare you for a fulfilling future.
Non-Eu candidates will not be considered for this course unless/until there are still vacant places available after all eligible EU candidates have been considered.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Biological & Related Sciences 1The module will provide the student with a basic introduction and understanding of the anatomy and physiology of body systems along with the principles of nutrition and introductory microbiology. Classes are augmented by tutorials which set content in the context of professional nursing practice. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the overall organization of the body, structure and function of cells, tissues, and membranes. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Introduction to Behaviour Sciences & ScholarshipThis module will introduce students to insights offered by the social sciences of psychology and sociology into understanding human behaviour to develop an understanding of holistic factors relevant to health and health care. A key focus of this module is to facilitate the development of students' understanding of the requirements and expectations of academic study in higher education. Classes are supplemented by tutorials to set content in the context of nursing care and practice. A flipped classroom approach may be used to enhance student learning where appropriate. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the historical context from which sociology emerged and differentiate between the three main theoretical paradigms/perspectives and their implications for healthcare |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Professional & Ethical Nursing Studies 1This module will introduce the learner to the core values underpinning the professional practice of nursing and to the different disciplines of nursing. It will also provide the learner with the requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to deliver quality nursing care within Irish legal, regulatory, ethical, professional structures, and to the concept digital health. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the context of nursing to include the history and core values underpinning the professional practice of nursing |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Nursing Skills 1This module will introduce the learner to the theory which underpins core nursing skills. An emphasis is placed in relation to essential clinical skills required prior to commencing practice placement. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the theory underpinning core fundamental nursing skills to enable care delivery in a variety of clinical settings across the lifespan. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Biological & Related Sciences 2The module will provide the student with a basic introduction and understanding of the anatomy and physiology of body systems, along with introductory genetics and applied pharmacology. Classes are augmented by tutorials, which set content in the context of professional nursing practice. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the basic structure and functions of the nervous, endocrine, reproductive, musculo-skeletal, lymphatic, immune system and the skin |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Psychology & Sociology Across the LifespanThis module builds on learners' understanding of biological, psychological and social factors that influence health through the life course. Application of evidence based psychological and sociological approaches to nursing and health care are embedded in the module with the ethos of person-centred care and inclusivity in services. The module also builds on scholarly skills with a focus on individual and group presentation skills. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe milestones across the life course and outline brain structure and emotional, cognitive and social development according to psychological perspectives. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Professional & Ethical Nursing Studies 2Drawing on the knowledge gained in Professional and Ethical Nursing 1. This module will further develop the learner's understanding of the concepts around professional and personal development. This module will also introduce the student to the Research Process, Health Informatics and the legal and ethical frameworks in nursing practice. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the fundamental principles of personal and professional development |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Nursing Skills 2Drawing on knowledge and skills gained in Nursing Skills 1, this module will explore the application of theoretical frameworks of care and develop specialist general nursing skills across the lifespan providing safe evidenced based nursing care. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of documentation which reflects the principles of care-planning. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
General Nursing Practice 1This module will expose the learner to a wide range of practice placement learning opportunities. It aims to provide the learner with the opportunity to participate under direct supervision by a registered nurse in the delivery of safe and holistic practice. It is a specialist module where the learner is engaged with core essential skills as identified by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland Requirements and Standards for Pre-Registration Nursing Education (NMBI 2016). Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate under direct supervision of the registered nurse, the nursing skills fundamental for the delivery of person-centered, safe and effective care, support and interventions. |
10 | Mandatory |
Year 2
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Clinical Nursing Pathway 1This module is designed to enable the learner to acquire the requisite principles, knowledge and skills underpinning the delivery of care to a person with acute and chronic illness across the lifespan. This module runs in tandem with the Nursing Skills 3 module which focuses on the relevant clinical nursing skills in the care of the individual with disorders of the identified systems. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, presenting features, nursing care and main pharmacologicalinterventions of various cardiovascular and respiratory acute and chronic disease management. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Research in Practice 1The module considers the role and application of EBP and introduces the learner to skills in critical appraisal of nursing and health related research literature. The aim of this module is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and evidence literacy to question the knowledge that informs practice and undertake a critique of the literature. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss different types of research approaches and paradigms appropriate for healthcare research |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Professional and Ethical Nursing Studies 3The aim of this module is to advance the learners personal, professional and ethical values of nursing. It will also introduce the learner to the concepts of clinical governance, quality improvement frameworks, information communication technology, quality and safety management and leadership and management styles. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the principles of Clinical Governance, nature of leadership and how it contributes to patient safety |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Nursing Skills 3This module will focus on the acquisition of a range of clinical nursing skills and their associated theoretical underpinnings within a variety of specialist healthcare settings. This module runs in tandem with Clinical Nursing Pathway 1. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate the nursing skills necessary for the provision of safe, holistic and effective person-centred care toindividuals/patients/clients across the lifespan in a variety of clinical settings. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Clinical Nursing Pathway 2This module is delivered as part of a clinical pathway approach, is designed to enable the student to examine and apply the principles of care to the adult with an acute and chronic condition. It will also include an overview of palliative care and approach in long term condition management. This module runs in tandem with the Nursing Skills 4 module. Learning Outcomes 1. Classify and apply knowledge of the aetiology, pathophysiology and presenting features of respiratory conditions including long-term condition management and pharmacology |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Promoting Health & WellbeingThe aim of this module is to develop learners’ knowledge of the processes of health promotion relevant to nursing practice as well as psychological, social and cultural factors influencing health behaviours and the communication of health-related messages. The module is underpinned by a life-course perspective and the principles of supporting informed choice and autonomy as well as an inclusive, culture-aware approach. Issues relating to health and digital health will also be explored. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the aims and approaches to health promotion and national and international policy and frameworks |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Research in Practice 2The learner will be introduced to various sources of evidence and the relationship between clinical questions, research designs, methods and ethical integrity. Furthermore, the importance and role of clinical guidelines and clinical audit in evidence-based practice will be illustrated. The learner will incrementally build their knowledge of and reflect on the research evidence which underpins clinical decision making in areas related to their clinical practice. Learning Outcomes 1. Distinguish the philosophical underpinnings and theoretical frameworks/perspectives of healthcare enquiry and analyse how these influence the subsequent conduct of research and enquiry |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Nursing Skills 4This module aims to provide the learners with the various clinical skills and knowledge necessary to participate in the delivery of care in a variety of health care settings. This module runs in tandem with Clinical Pathway 2 module. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate under supervision the nursing skills necessary for the provision of safe and effective holistic care toindividuals/patients/clients in a variety of clinical settings and across the lifespan |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
General Nursing Practice 2This module will further develop the learner's journey towards safe professional nursing practice within a variety of practice settings. It will provide the learner with the opportunity to participate in the delivery of safe, holistic compassionate care and enhance the development of fundamental clinical skills. The module has been designed to enable the student under the supervision of the registered nurse to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that are required to deliver quality care in an evolving health and social care environment. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate at advanced beginner level the fundamental nursing skills essential for the delivery of safe, holistic compassionate care to people |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 3
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
General Nursing Practice IIIThis module provides the learner with the skills, competency, knowledge and attitudes for the provision of safe and effective care through a diversity of placement experiences in an ever-changing and complex health and social care environment. The learner will subsequently demonstrate competence and confidence in achieving the Nursing and Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate the safe and effective performance of a broad range of nursing skills essential to the provision of competent, professional and accountable, holistic person-centred nursing care. |
30 | Mandatory |
2 |
Clinical Nursing Pathway 3This module will advance the learners' appreciation of the pathophysiological processes leading to acute, critical and chronic ill health across various body systems. It will include related nursing care, clinical skills and pharmacological interventions. It should equip the learner with the relevant knowledge and competencies to deliver safe and effective Learning Outcomes 1. Apply the pathophysiology and related signs and symptoms and pharmacology to various disorders associated with the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, urinary and integumentary bodysystems. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Ageing & CaringThis module aims to develop the learners holistic understanding of Aging and related nursing skills in the context of increasing demographics and chronic disease. The learner will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to promote active ageing, provide holistic evidence-based person-centred care and support the older person in acute care, long-term care, rehabilitation and/or a return to independent living. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the epidemiological and demographics trends and their implications for health and social care services internationally and nationally. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Individual & Collective WellbeingThis module aims to develop learners' understanding of psychological, social and climate change factors influencing psychological well-being as related to nursing. The module has a foundation in the principles of person-centredness, participation, diversity, and a trauma-informed approach. The module will offer an opportunity to explore aspects of self-care and reflect on the political and power issues underpinning well-being and health care delivery. Learning Outcomes 1. Evaluate the psychological, social, cultural and political factors contributing to well-being and mental health disorders on individuals and groups. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Research in Practice 3This module will enable the learner to develop skills in knowledge and understanding of the research process. The learner will further develop critical thinking, problem-solving and skills in critical analysis whilst undertaking a literature review in the area of health and nursing practice. Learning Outcomes 1. Understand the purpose and basic elements of an effective literature review and a research proposal |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Care of Person with CancerThe aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the principles in caring for the person with cancer, to enable them to develop their knowledge and skills in the cancer care continuum. the learner will develop an understanding Learning Outcomes 1. The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the principles in caring for the person with cancer, to enable them to develop their knowledge and skills in the cancer care continuum. the learner will develop an understanding |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 4
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Clinical Nursing Pathway IVThe module will enable the student to develop further knowledge of the pathophysiological processes leading to acute and chronic ill health and appraise the related nursing care. Reproductive, immunology, hematology, ear, nose, throat, and ophthalmology disorders will be examined, and previous knowledge of pharmacological interventions of the major systems of the body will be further evaluated. Learning Outcomes 1. Evaluate the principles of acute and chronic nursing interventions in the care of individuals with reproductive, immunological haematological disorders. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Leadership, Management & Professional ScholarshipThe aim of this module is to provide the learner with the knowledge and skills necessary for the development of Leadership potential, Professional Scholarship, nursing management and team working. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically discuss the dynamic nature of leadership, management and professional scholarship in nursing and apply the skills and knowledge required for healthcare management |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Preparation for Professional PracticeThis module aims to prepare learners for the dynamic role of the professional nurse in clinical practice by integrating nursing knowledge and skills to that developed throughout the first three stages of the programme. Learning Outcomes 1. Integrate previously developed knowledge, skills and attitudes to the total care of patients in various clinical settings, across the lifespan and with chronic disease reflecting and exploring the current and evolving changes in a professional nursing context. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
General Nursing Practice IVThis module aims to promote continued development of theoretical knowledge and clinical skills at competent level and facilitate the learner to manage delivery of person-centered care effectively in a safe, caring and competent manner, essential to the art and science of nursing, whilst taking personal and professional accountability for own actions. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate competency in the provision of person-centred nursing care and management of holistic nursing process in partnership with individuals/patients/clients with various health concerns, and their family within a variety of clinical settings. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
General Nursing InternshipThis module aims to promote consolidation of the learners' theoretical knowledge and clinical competency in preparation for successful transition for eligibility to register as a qualified nurse. The module also aims to facilitate ongoing development of knowledge, values, meaning and experiences at proficient level; to integrate skills of analysis, theoretical knowledge, problem-solving, clinical decision-making, and reflexivity into everyday clinical nursing practice. The module will also enable the learner to managedelivery of person-centered care effectively in a safe, caring and competent manner, essential to the art and science of nursing, whilst taking personal and professional accountability for own actions and/ or omissions. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate proficiency in the provision of person-centred nursing care and management of holistic nursing process in partnership with patients/clients with various health concerns, and their family within a variety of professional practice settings. |
25 | Mandatory |
Progression
Follow-on Courses
Follow up programmes elsewhere include:
Master of Science in Advancing Health & Social Care
Master of Science in Therapeutic Interventions for Alcohol & Other Drugs
Master degrees in institutes and universities at home and abroad.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement | 6 subjects at O6/H7 |
QQI/FET Major Award Required | One of the following awards: |
Additional QQI/FET/ Requirements | 5 Distinctions which must include: |
Garda Vetting | Entrants to this programme will be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána. |
Fees
Total Fees EU: €3000
This annual student contribution charge is subject to change by Government. Additional tuition fees may apply. Click on the link below for more information on fees, grants and scholarships.
Further information on feesProfessional Accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board Ireland (NMBI)
Careers
Career Pathways
The main employers are:
Clinical Nursing
Education
Nurse Management
Graduate Careers
Graduate careers typically include:
Community Nurse
Medical/Surgical Care
Public Health & General Practice Nurse
Specialist Nurse
Further Information
Contact Information
Department of Nursing and Health Care
Dr Louise McBride
Head of Department
T: +353 (0)74 9186308
E: louise.mcbride@atu.ie
Nursing & Health Care