Paediatric nursing

There are two core units focusing on paediatric nursing in the course. These units are:

Paediatric nursing 1

This unit incorporates pathophysiology and advanced clinical care concepts to develop skills necessary to provide safe and effective patient and family centred care.

Key areas of study include:

• pathophysiology,
• paediatric assessment,
• advanced clinical care,
• pharmacology and developmentally appropriate communication.

In addition, as a graduate student, you will immerse in learning opportunities designed to expand your skills in critical thinking, problem solving, evidence-based practice, and clinical decision making. You will also be exposed to core concepts associated with research including literature searching, critique of contemporary research, referencing and advanced academic writing skills.

Paediatric nursing 2:

This unit builds on the learning in Paediatric nursing 1 and applies this to further advance knowledge and skills needed to care for paediatric patients with complex conditions.

Key areas of content include:

• assessment and management of the critically ill child/young person,
• identification and management of deterioration, palliative and end of life care
• caring for the unwell paediatric patient outside of the hospital environment.

Additionally, important concepts such as legal and ethical frameworks, transition to adult care services and socio-cultural principles will be discussed as they apply to patient and family centred care. You, as a RN with an advanced level of practice will also engage in learning related to clinical leadership.

Both units are 12 credit points and on successful completion, you will be eligible to graduate with a Graduate certificate of advanced clinical nursing.

Should you wish to undertake further study and progress toward a higher qualification, pathways exist for you to continue your education in a Graduate Diploma or Master of Advanced Clinical Nursing. Further information is available in the course handbook.