Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The University College Cork offers a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module in Medical and Surgical Nursing of Individuals with Cardiorespiratory Problems. This module is designed to provide clinical nurses with the theoretical and practical knowledge required for the assessment and management of patients with cardiorespiratory conditions.

Module Objective

The primary objective of this module is to equip nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge to assess and manage patients with cardiorespiratory conditions effectively. Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate the application of nursing knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of such patients.

Module Content

The module covers a range of topics, including:

• Holistic physical assessment of a patient's cardiovascular and respiratory status
• Epidemiological factors surrounding cardiovascular and respiratory conditions in Ireland
• Policy and strategy initiatives in managing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases
• Early warning signs for cardiorespiratory dysfunction
• Nursing interventions in managing cardiovascular and respiratory disorders
• Diagnostic investigations, such as 12-lead ECG interpretation and arterial blood gas interpretation
• Acute cardiovascular and respiratory conditions
• Urgent interventions for acute cardiovascular and respiratory conditions
• Supporting respiratory function
• Chronic cardiovascular and respiratory disease management
• Management of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions in the surgical setting

Teaching Method

The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, clinical simulations, and distance learning. Students will engage with discussion boards, e-tivities, preparatory reading, assignment preparation, and self-directed learning. The teaching method includes 16 hours of lectures and 184 hours of other activities, such as distance learning and engagement with online resources.

Assessment

The assessment for this module consists of continuous assessment, totaling 200 marks. This includes a seminar/presentation worth 180 marks and e-tivities worth 20 marks.

Requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of current registration with the relevant professional regulatory body, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. They must also satisfy the minimum entry requirements for the Degrees in Nursing or Midwifery. Additionally, applicants who do not hold an up-to-date IELTS certificate must demonstrate evidence of appropriate work experience within an English language environment for at least the previous two years.

Fees and Costs

The fee for this module is 900.

How to Apply

To apply for this module, students must submit their application, including any additional required documents, such as a passport-style photo and a copy of their degree parchment if not a previous UCC graduate. The full module fee is payable upon submission of the application.

Module Details

• Code: NU6152
• Duration: 20th March 3rd May 2026
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Fees: 900
• Closing Date: 23/03/2026
• Venue: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex
• Credits: 10
• Start Date: 19/03/2025

Additional Information

This module is open to registered general nurses only, who work in a non-critical care area (i.e., ward-based). The module will not run unless minimum recruitment targets of 10 students are achieved.