Program Overview

Overview of the Higher Diploma in Children's Nursing

The Higher Diploma in Children's Nursing is a one-year full-time program delivered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, in association with Children's Health Ireland. The program aims to educate graduates for the award of Higher Diploma in Nursing (Registered Children's Nursing), preparing them to develop skills of critical thinking, research, and reflection to become life-long learners and leaders in children's nursing management, advanced practice, leadership research, and policy development at a national and international level.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Be selected at interview by the Children's Health Ireland (CHI) committee.
• Be on at least one of the following divisions of the register as held by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: General Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, and Intellectual Disability Nursing.
• Be on the active register as held by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
• Have at least six months of full-time, post-registration clinical nursing experience.
• Have relevant academic undergraduate qualifications which satisfy admission requirements.

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 Structure

The post-registration Higher Diploma in Children's Nursing (Level 8) takes place over one full year (52 weeks) commencing in September. The program consists of 12 theoretical weeks divided over three semesters, 40 weeks clinical practice experience that spans medical/surgical nursing, high dependency, specialist nursing, and community experience with 4 weeks annual leave. Students undertake eight compulsory modules - five theoretical and three clinical. All modules are grounded in a body of evidence-based caring knowledge that promotes excellence in children's nursing practice.

Course Content

The program includes the following modules:

• Fundamental Principles of Children's Nursing and Evidence-Based Care for Children and Families
• Evidence-Based Practice in Health and Altered Health in Children's Nursing
• Contemporary Issues in Child and Family Centred Nursing
• Practice Module One – Medical Nursing
• Practice Module Two – Surgical Nursing
• Practice Module Three – Specialist Nursing

Career Opportunities

Higher Diploma Children's Nursing graduates can work and specialize in a number of areas in hospital and community services. Children's nursing offers an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. Postgraduate specialist programs that children's nurses can pursue include the M.Sc. in Child Health and Wellbeing, M.Sc. in Specialist and Advanced Practice, and other Postgraduate Specialist programs.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

Awards

The program is awarded at NFQ Level 8.

Number of Places

There are 15 places available for the program.

Next Intake

The next intake for the program is September 2025.

Course Coordinator

The course coordinator is Ms. Thelma Begley.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 29th January 2025.