by Coursework

This program is designed to allow nurse clinicians to enhance their individual specialty knowledge and competence whilst working in their selected area of specialisation. Theoretical and practical knowledge will be augmented by independent learning contracts to enable the development of advanced critical thinking and project writing skills. The program encourages innovative evidence based practice that will ultimately lead to improved nursing practice. There are ten specialty streams in this program:

• Advanced Medical - Surgical Nursing
• Critical Care Nursing

including the sub-streams:

• Intensive Care Nursing
• Coronary Care Nursing
• Cardiothoracic Nursing
• Paediatric Intensive Care Nursing

• Emergency Nursing
• Gerontological Nursing

• Nephrology Nursing

• Neuroscience Nursing

• Oncology Nursing

• Orthopaedic Nursing

• Palliative Care Nursing

• Perioperative Nursing

GENERAL AIMS

Year one - semesters one and two:

The first two semesters are designed to promote an increased knowledge in specialty nursing theory and practice. Students plan, implement and evaluate nursing practice using social, professional, legal and ethical frameworks. Students may exit with a Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing.

Year two - semester one:

This semester aims to extend skills in reasearch, audit, quality improvement and clinical decision making within the nursing specialties. Students critically evaluate nursing practice and research within philosophical, professional, theoretical, legal and ethical frameworks for specialty practice. Students may exit with a Post Graduate Diploma of Clinical Nursing.

Year two – semester two:

The final semester provides students with the opportunity to gain a deeper level of understanding of issues which impact upon their nursing specialty. Students undertake a project related to their area of practice. Projects may involve clinical audit, research, systematic review, or implementation and evaluation of a change in practice. Students exit with a Master of Clinical Nursing.

COURSE LOCATION AND MODE OF STUDY

All units are available in the internal and external mode of study. Please contact the Course Coordinator for details of units on campus.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

All Registered Nurses who possess a Bachelor of Nursing (with at least 12 months nursing experience) or equivalent may enrol in the Master of Clinical Nursing program with multiple exit points at Post Graduate Certificate, Post Graduate Diploma and Master level. RNs with a hospital based diploma, who do not possess an undergraduate degree, but who have been registered and practising for at least three years may enrol in units comprising the Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing. Upon completion of these units students may progress to the Master of Clinical Nursing at the discretion of the Course Coordinator.

The course relies heavily upon work-based learning, with students being required to work at least 18 hours per week in an approved specialty area of their choice.

COURSE STRUCTURE