Nursing in Leadership and Quality Healthcare – Postgraduate Diploma

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing in Leadership and Quality Healthcare programme is aimed at graduate nurses who wish to advance their academic and professional development. The nursing profession is dynamic and evolving with societal needs and care needs of individuals, families and communities. Nurses are challenged by the sophistication of technological, medical and social advancement and with the ever-increasing divergence in social inequalities, presenting nursing with a new agenda for transformation. The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing in Leadership and Quality Healthcare programme provides the nurse with a broad-based educational experience to practise at a higher level incorporating key concepts such as clinical decision-making, professional leadership, evidence-based practice, professional ethics, research knowledge and skills.

Location and Duration

• Location: Athlone
• Duration: 1 year

Fees

• Fees: €7,200

Level and Course Type

• Level: 9
• Course Type: Postgraduate

Study Mode and Department

• Study Mode: Full Time / Part Time
• Department: Nursing & Healthcare

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

• Nursing in a Modern Health System
  • Credits: 10
  • The aim of this module is to develop students’ critical appraisal and evaluation of nursing in a modern health system. Critical reflection of the core theories and concepts underpinning professional nursing practice will include: the nature and function of nursing, the professionalisation of nursing and the nurses’ role embedded in a modern health system. Critical awareness will enable heightened insight into nursing from organisational, national, international and global perspectives.
• Research Methods in Healthcare
  • Credits: 10
  • The aims of this module is to enhance the student’s knowledge and understanding of the research process and to develop an advanced understanding of research methods and its application to practice.
• Clinical Leadership and Management
  • Credits: 10
  • This module will enable the student to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to lead and manage change and quality improvement in the modern healthcare environment.

Year 1 – Semester 2

• Quality Initiatives and Outcomes
  • Credits: 10
  • The aim of this module is to develop the students understanding of the quality issues that pertain to the provision of an effective and efficient quality healthcare service.
• Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing
  • Credits: 10
  • This module provides the student with the opportunity to learn, reflect and critically analyse many diverse ethics, bioethical, legal and cultural ethical concepts and their application to professional nursing practice, The module content is designed to guide the student through important areas of study, and introduce the student to the issues and skills central to the module content, with an emphasis on the development of active and independent learning to enhance professional practice and create lifelong learning skills.
• Application of Evidence to the Healthcare Setting
  • Credits: 10
  • The module will consolidate the student’s apriori knowledge and skills developed in previous modules and through experiential learning about evidence based practice. It will equip the student with the skills neccessy to:
    1. Evaluate the evidence base which underpins quality practice.
    2. Develop a Policy, Procedure, Protocol, or Guideline (PPPG) from inception/review through to validation.

Entry Requirements

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Level 8, H2:1 or higher) or equivalent qualification will be required for entry to this programme. In line with University Guidelines students, prior learning may also be recognised including: prior experiential (non-certified) and accredited (certified) learning.

Career Opportunities and Further Study

• Further Study
  • This course will enable graduates the opportunity to complete the Level 9 MSc in Nursing in Leadership and Quality Healthcare as a pathway to Level 10 PhD/Doctoral programmes in national and international universities.
• Career Opportunities
  • Graduates from this Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing in Leadership and Quality Healthcare have the potential for employment in multiple domains of practice. There are numerous areas for career advancement, both nationally and internationally, with Postgraduate level attainment identified as an essential requirement for career progression and promotion in administrative and clinical managerial posts.

Assessment Information

• Assessment is a continuous process which aims to measure the achievement of students in relation to the learning outcomes. It is combined with appropriate feedback, to assist students in improving their performance in relation to set criteria for progression towards, or for the award of the degree. Assessment can be practical or theoretical, formative and/or summative, and administered by lecturers, students themselves or their peers. The use of self and peer-assessment is used regularly as a formative strategy to develop students’ skills in gauging and evaluating their own performance and that of their fellow colleagues.

---

Degree Overview:

The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing in Leadership and Quality Healthcare program is designed for graduate nurses seeking to enhance their academic and professional development. It addresses the evolving needs of the nursing profession, which is influenced by societal changes, technological advancements, and increasing social inequalities. The program aims to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills to practice at a higher level, incorporating key concepts such as:

• Clinical decision-making: Developing the ability to make informed and effective decisions in complex clinical situations.
• Professional leadership: Cultivating leadership skills to guide and inspire others within the healthcare environment.
• Evidence-based practice: Integrating research findings and best practices into clinical decision-making.
• Research knowledge and skills: Developing the ability to critically analyze and interpret research findings.
Upon completion, graduates will possess a mastery of specialized knowledge and a critical understanding of contemporary nursing issues. They will be equipped to analyze, interpret, and apply research evidence to their practice. The program serves as a strong foundation for pursuing Master's level studies in nursing.

---

Outline:

---

Year 1 - Semester 1

• Nursing in a Modern Health System (Credits: 10): This module focuses on critically evaluating nursing within the context of a modern healthcare system.
It explores core theories and concepts underpinning professional nursing practice, including the nature and function of nursing, the professionalization of nursing, and the nurse's role within a modern health system. The module emphasizes critical awareness of nursing from organizational, national, international, and global perspectives.
• Research Methods in Healthcare (Credits: 10): This module enhances students' understanding of the research process and develops their knowledge of research methods and their application to practice.
• Professional, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Nursing (Credits: 10): This module explores diverse ethical, bioethical, legal, and cultural ethical concepts and their application to professional nursing practice.
It emphasizes the development of active and independent learning skills to enhance professional practice and foster lifelong learning.
• Application of Evidence to the Healthcare Setting (Credits: 10): This module consolidates students' prior knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice.
It equips students with the skills to evaluate the evidence base underpinning quality practice and develop policies, procedures, protocols, or guidelines (PPPGs) from inception to validation.

---

Assessment:

Assessment is an ongoing process that aims to measure student achievement in relation to learning outcomes. It involves a combination of practical and theoretical assessments, both formative and summative. Assessment methods may include:

• Practical assessments: Demonstrating skills and competencies in real-world scenarios.
• Theoretical assessments: Applying knowledge and understanding through written assignments, presentations, or exams.
• Formative assessments: Providing feedback to students throughout the learning process to guide their development.
The program utilizes self and peer-assessment as formative strategies to develop students' skills in evaluating their own performance and that of their peers.

---

Careers:

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing in Leadership and Quality Healthcare program are well-prepared for a variety of career opportunities, both nationally and internationally. The program provides a strong foundation for career advancement in administrative and clinical managerial roles.

Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)

---

Overview:

Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is a multi-campus university in Ireland, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It is known for its focus on applied learning and innovation, fostering strong industry ties and providing excellent employment opportunities for its graduates.

---

Services Offered:

TUS provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Support:

Admissions guidance, international student support, open days, student finance information, induction programs, and student support services.

Campus Life:

Accommodation options, career and employability services, chaplaincy and pastoral care, disability supports, learning support, student counselling, student health services, sports facilities, student union, clubs and societies.

Faculty Areas:

Business, Hospitality & Humanities, Engineering, Built Environment & Informatics, Sciences, Health & Technology, and Limerick School of Art & Design.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

TUS prioritizes a student-first approach, offering small class sizes and personalized attention. Students can expect a vibrant campus life with a range of clubs, societies, and sports activities. The university also provides comprehensive support services to ensure a positive and enriching student experience.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Applied Learning & Innovation:

TUS emphasizes practical skills and real-world application, preparing students for successful careers.

Strong Industry Ties:

The university has strong connections with industry partners, providing students with valuable internship and employment opportunities.

Excellent Employment Opportunities:

TUS graduates are highly sought after by employers, with a strong track record of successful career outcomes.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse and engaging campus experience with a range of clubs, societies, and sports activities.

Comprehensive Support Services:

TUS provides a wide range of support services to ensure students' academic and personal success.

---

Academic Programs:

TUS offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Programs in various disciplines, including business, engineering, science, technology, art, and design.

Postgraduate:

Master's and PhD programs in specialized fields.

Apprenticeships:

Programs in various trades and technical fields.

Flexible & Professional Learning:

Programs designed for working professionals.

---

Other:

TUS is a QS 5 Star Rated University, recognized for its high-quality education and research. The university is also actively involved in research and development, with a focus on areas of national and global importance.