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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Caring & Communication in Nursing
Module Code NUR1013 (ITS: NS112)
Faculty Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health School Science & Health
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

Caring and communication are central to nursing practice and are essential elements of an optimal nurse-patient relationship. This module will introduce students to the concept of caring and outline the various theories focusing on caring in nursing. Students will also be introduced to the core elements of communication in practice.

Learning Outcomes

1. Examine their own attitudes and behaviors towards health and wellbeing and their role in caring for others
2. Discuss the meaning of caring and theories of caring
3. Analyse the principles of interpersonal communication for health behaviour change
4. Adopt a person centered approach to communication for health behaviour change
5. Communicate in a supportive non directive manner with individuals
6. Demonstrate effective communication skills in the context of health conversations


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture28Lectures
Tutorial6Communication Workshops
Independent Study114Directed Independent reading
Total Workload: 148
Section Breakdown
CRN11235Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorDaniela LehwaldtModule TeacherJoanne Cleary-Holdforth, Sinead Foran, Tracey Harrington
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Assignmentn/a100%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Caring and Nursing
Self-awareness and the Johari window. The meaning of caring and nursing theories focusing on caring. How nurses can demonstrate caring in practice. Caring for a vulnerable patient. Providing holistic care in practice. The therapeutic use of self in the delivery of nursing care. The importance of self-care for the professional nurse. Reflection, self-awareness and nursing care.

Communication
Compassion and empathy in establishing relationships with patients/clients, families and colleagues. Active listening. Verbal and nonverbal communication. Barriers/challenges in communication and methods of overcoming barriers. Written forms of communication issues of confidentiality, accountability and responsibility.

Tutorials
Active listening and non-verbal communication skills. Written and oral communication skills.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Riles, J.B.: 2017, .Communicating in Nursing., 8th Edition, Elsevier., USA,
  • Egan, G.: 2013, ‘The Skilled Helper’, 3rd Ed, Brooks/Cole, California, USA,
  • Van Emden J.; Becker L.: 2010, Presentation Skills for Students,, 2nd Ed., Palgrave:, Hampshire.UK,
  • McCabe, C., Timmins, F.: 2013, Communications skills for nursing practice., 2nd Ed., Palgrave MacMillan:., London:,
  • Rolfe D, ;Freshwater D.:, Jasper M.: 2010, Critical reflection for nursing and the helping professions : a user's guide., Palgrave:, Hampshire, UK,
  • Berman, A., Snyder, S., Kozier, B and Erb, G.: 2004, Kozier and Erb's Fundamentals of Nursing, Concepts, Process, and Practice., 7th, Pearson, Prentice Hall,, New Jersey,,
  • Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: 2025, Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives Incorporating the Scope of Practice and Professional Guidance, Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, Dublin,
  • Kathleen Sitzman, Jean Watson: 2019, Assessing and Measuring Caring in Nursing and Health Sciences: Watson’s Caring Science Guide, Springer Publishing Company,


Articles:
  • Ní Riain, M., & Wickham, S.: 2023, She just makes it easier…” The impact of having a dedicated nursing role in supporting people with intellectual disability when accessing acute hospitals, from the perspective of their support staff, , Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, https://doi.org/10.1177/17446295231190252, 522963
  • 2018: Enhancing Effective Communication Among Non-Verbal Patients, Pediatric nursing, vol. 44, no. 3,, 144, 522964, 2
  • Communication in nursing practice: Mater Sociomed, 26 (1), 65, doi: 10.5455/msm.2014.26.65-67,
Other Resources

  • 1: Website, Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), 2025, Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann,

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