Program Overview

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Overview of the Specialist Practice - Renal Program

The Specialist Practice - Renal program is designed to enable registered nurses to increase their knowledge, experience, and clinical skills within this chosen specialty. This course is designed to prepare the renal nurse to function as a specialist nurse. It is both dynamic and challenging and will enable the student upon completion to function as a competent, effective, and caring practitioner. The use of evidence-based practice will be utilized throughout this course with the focus on the development and integration of theoretical knowledge and clinical experience.

Course Details

• Awards: NFQ Level 9
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Coordinator: Dr. Eleanor Hollywood
• Closing Date: 30th June 2025

Admission Requirements

Admission to the strand will be subject to place availability. The entry criteria for this strand are:

• Current registration on the appropriate nursing division of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland Active Register
• Two years post-registration clinical experience since first registration
• Twelve months experience (within the last two years) in the specialty in Ireland at the time of application.
• Candidates must also fulfill one of the following criteria:
  • An honors degree in nursing or a related discipline or equivalent professional and academic qualification
  • Satisfy the selection committee that they have the academic ability to successfully complete the program.

Each student will be engaged in specific practice settings in Ireland relevant to each individual strand for the duration of the program of study.

Additional criteria may be required by individual Health Service Providers.

Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Content

In Year One, students take four specialist modules:

• Haemodialysis and Allied Therapies Nursing
• Nephrology Nursing
• Transplant and Peritoneal Dialysis Nursing
• Supervised Practice Placement (Renal) Students also take two core modules:
• Theory & Practice of Enquiry Methods for Healthcare
• Leadership, Quality Improvement and Governance

In Year Two, students must complete a dissertation.

Career Opportunities

Designed to enable registered nurses to increase their knowledge, experience, and clinical skills within this chosen specialty, this course prepares the renal nurse to function as a competent, effective, and caring specialist nurse.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section.

Program Structure

The program is designed to be completed over one to three years, with a flexible approach to accommodate busy professionals. The blended approach to course delivery includes carefully planned assessment schedules and supportive academic and clinical facilitators to guide students in their learning.

Conclusion

The Specialist Practice - Renal program at Trinity College Dublin offers a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience for registered nurses seeking to specialize in renal nursing. With its focus on evidence-based practice, theoretical knowledge, and clinical experience, this program equips students with the skills and expertise necessary to excel in their careers as specialist renal nurses.