Certificate of CPD National Foundation Education Module in Critical Care Nursing

The module is aimed at registered nurses working within the critical care environment who have not completed accredited postgraduate education in critical care nursing and registered nurses who have limited or no experience working in the critical care environment (model 3, 4 & 4s inclusive). 

The Foundations in Critical Care Nursing module aims to build upon and advance the repertoire of knowledge, skills, attitudes and professional values in the promotion of competence in the nurses’ clinical practice in critical care nursing. The goal of the module is that students will be able to safely and competently care for critically ill patients in the critical care environment in which they are employed.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology and its application to disordered function.
2. Demonstrate the application of available knowledge to guide the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based nursing care.
3. Perform and review a comprehensive and systematic assessment of a critically ill patient using an appropriate framework.
4. Interpret and examine assessment results and data using supportive research to determine normal values and underlying pathophysiology for critically ill patients.
5. Evaluate clinical significance and nursing implications of assessment data.
6. Demonstrate and maintain therapeutic and professional relationships by delivering systematic and comprehensive patient care.
7. Integrate research and reflection into clinical practice.
8. Promote continuity of care by contributing to multidisciplinary collaboration across the health care continuum.

You will be able to safely and competently care for critically ill patients in the Intensive Care environment. Successful completion of this module will enable students seek recognition of prior learning when pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care in either HEI (UCD, UCC). Additionally students may be awarded a 10 credit exemption from the Graduate Diploma Nursing Critical Care Intensive Care programme which leads on to a Master’s Degree in Critical Care Nursing.

A blended learning methodology will be used for this module. The majority of learning will be available online and there will be one induction day and two workshops on Campus. Multiple teaching and learning approaches will be utilised to facilitate learning and application to clinical practice.

It is essential that you have access to a personal computer and an email account as communication with students is primarily undertaken by email.

To successfully engage with your learning you will need to have access to the following:

• PC/Laptop running Windows 7 or later and Mac OSX 10.7.4.
• Common plug-ins such as Microsoft Silverlight, Java and Flash
• MS Office or an equivalent suite of applications such as Liber Office
• Modern standards compliant web browser

• UCD has a long history of producing high quality graduates
• This programme is highly focused on enhancing your clinical practice and the achievement of realistic and attainable attributes in the practice of nursing in the Intensive Care environment.
• The Programme employs a variety of innovative assessment strategies with a strong clinical focus
• Extensive use of IT in supporting the teaching environment.
• Access to excellent student facilities

Module Structure

The National Foundation Module in Critical Care Nursing is a 10 credit, part-time, taught, blended learning module. It is designed to meet the learning needs of busy Registered Nurses (RNs), by providing a flexible (blended) learning environment.

The duration of this module is 26 weeks. There are two intakes per year, September and February. 

Assessments:

Theoretical learning will be examined using a Case Study Presentation, and an end of module MCQ examination. Clinical learning will be examined through the attainment of Clinical Competencies in student’s employment setting.

Teaching and Learning strategies

The following teaching and learning strategies will be integrated into the schedule to facilitate each student to achieve the aims and objective of the module.

Blended learning methodologies

E-learning: online and situated learning activities (e-tivities) with links to online readings and self-directed learning will enhance the student's ability to learn independently and facilitate knowledge and understanding of theories and principles of critical care nursing.

Online learning

This module consists of six units of study.

Unit 1: Care of the patient with altered respiratory function

Unit 2: Care of the patient with altered cardiovascular function

Unit 3: Care of the patient with altered renal function and fluids & electrolyte balance

Unit 4: Care of the patient with altered gastrointestinal and endocrine function

Unit 5: Care of the patient with altered neurological function

Unit 6: Managing the Critically Ill Patients

Students will be able to check their understanding with formative clinical case study reviews, formative online quizzes and summative clinical case study assignment and MCQ examination.

Skill acquisition

Students will be immersed in clinical practice and supported and assessed by a clinical preceptor and/or clinical facilitator for the duration of the module. During this time, students will avail of situational learning opportunities to develop the required technical skills and attitudes to function safely in their clinical area.  Online interactive learning activities and simulation workshops will also enhance the student’s knowledge underpinning the technical skill associated with each unit of learning.

Please click on this link for the Module overview for the September 2022 intake

This module is open to practicing nurses with:

• Evidence of current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) OR evidence that registration with the NMBI will be complete by the proposed commencement date of the module.
• A letter of support from his/her respective Director of Nursing providing evidence that he/she will be working in a critical care environment for the duration of the module and for a minimum of 78 hours/month. 
• Confirmation of having secured a Clinical Preceptor and/or Clinical Facilitator for the duration of the module.
• Evidence that designated Clinical Preceptor and/or Clinical Facilitator has completed recognised preceptorship training and has obtained a qualification in intesive care nursing.

Admission to the module will be subject to internal university approval processes on the recommendation of the Head of School.

Places can only be offered on receipt of all required documentation

• Original transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) & notarised English translations where relevant
• A current photocopy of NMBI registration
• Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport
• Signed Declaration Form from Employer (original form) Download the Declaration Form
• Completed Professional Reference Form (original form) Download the Professional Reference Form
• Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)
• Clinical Assessor Nomination  Download the Clinical Assessor Form

Places can only be offered on receipt of all required documentation

Applications are made online through UCD Applications. ​Applicants may be required to undertake an interview (either face-to-face or via telecommunication) as part of the admission process.

Please note that all applicants are required to pay a €50 application fee. Your application cannot be processed fully unless the application fee has been paid.

Apply online (Sept Intake Code X823, Feb Intake Code X824)

There are two instances in which you can apply to have recognised prior learning taken into account when applying for a programme in UCD.

1. RPL for admission to a UCD programme
If you are a prospective student seeking admission to UCD and you do not meet the required admissions criteria as set down for a particular programme of study in UCD, you may apply to be admitted based on prior learning.

Download the application form:
RPL for admission application form (PDF version)
RPL for admission application form (Word version)

2. RPL for exemption from a module or modules on a UCD programme
If you have been accepted onto a UCD programme and wish to have credit transferred towards the requirements of the UCD programme of study, you may apply for RPL from a module or modules.

Download the application form:
RPL for module credit application form (PDF version)
RPL for module credit application form (Word version)

When applying for RPL, please note the following:

• You must submit your application for RPL to the Programme Administrator as early as possible and preferably before you commence the relevant module/stage/programme.
• An application for RPL relating to a particular module should be submitted before the third week of the trimester in which it is offered. Applications made after this date will only be accepted under exceptional circumstances.
• Your application will be reviewed by the Taught Graduate Standing Committee and Programme Board. You can expect to hear of the outcome or status of your application typically within four to six weeks of submitting it (depending on committee schedules).
• Please note that in some cases your application may not be successful or you may not receive RPL for the amount of credit for which you applied, therefore you must register for, attend and participate in the module or modules until you have been informed of the decision of the School Programme Board.
• If your application is not successful, you are responsible for all assessments associated with the module.

Useful links

UCD Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning