Program Overview

The overall aim of the programme is to provide registered nurses with the opportunity to enhance previously acquired professional education and develop critical inquiry, knowledge and skills, attributes and competencies in preparation for developing roles within nursing. Successful completion of year 1 (Graduate Diploma) will provide students with the academic qualifications necessary to be considered for Clinical Nurse Specialist posts. Successful completion of year two (MSc) will provide students with the academic qualifications to be considered for Advanced Nursing Practice posts. The programme provides opportunities to explore research as evidence for enhancing and changing practice. Key emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking and reflective skills at specialist and advanced practice levels. The programme will develop professional qualities and a high level of competence in the promotion of excellence and current best practice in the delivery and appraisal of advancing practice.

On completion of the programme the student will:

• Utilise evidence to inform nursing practice in monitoring co-ordinating and managing care.
• Critically review current innovations and developments within nursing.
• Utilise a knowledge base consistent with that of the profession, and which incorporates the standards of professional groups.
• Critically appraise strategies to promote, maintain and restore health in relevant care groups.
• Critically evaluate, generate and conduct research that will incorporate evidence-based practice in nursing.
• Critically evaluate the role of specialist and advanced practice in nursing.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams in the provision of quality outcomes
• Critically appraise international, national and local policy strategies that are relevant to advancing nursing roles.
• Discuss factors that influence practice and theoretical knowledge at specialist/advanced practice levels.
• Demonstrate the critical thinking skills and ethical decision-making required for specialist/advanced practice in nursing care.
• Critically evaluate the use of psychosocial interventions in mental health care.
• Critically discuss the role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist/Advanced Nurse Practitioners in the monitoring, coordination and management of individuals experiencing mental health problems.