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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Caring for the child with multi-system dysfunction
Module Code NUR1107 (ITS: NS4803)
Faculty Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health School Science & Health
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

The aim of this module is to enhance the student's ability to care for children with complex multisystem dysfunction by critically examining the nursing knowledge and clinical skills essential for this client group and their families.

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyse the role of the children's nurse in relation to the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care to children with healthcare needs in community and healthcare settings.
2. Examine the rationale for the delivery of evidence based care to children with a variety of healthcare needs in all healthcare settings.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of collaborative working within an interdisciplinary team.
4. Identify key clinical resources in a variety of settings and demonstrate knowledge of collaborative working and decision making within an interdisciplinary team.
5. Critically explore the evidence based care of children and their families in relation to dying, death, grief, loss and bereavement.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture30No Description
Tutorial4No Description
Independent Study91No Description
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN11286Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorSara Raftery LinehanModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssayEnd-of-Semester Assignment100%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

The nature of disease and pathology
The effect of disease and pathology on the normal functioning of the haemolytic system will be explored. This will include the physiological, social and psychological aspects of complex acute and chronic childhood haemolytic and oncological diseases.

Evidence based nursing interventions
Nursing assessment strategies, care planning, care delivery techniques and evaluation of care provided to children and their families with a variety of complex haemoloytic conditions including anaemia, clotting disorders and autoimmune disorsers of the blood and blood cells will be examined. Care of the child with cancer will be explored.

Pharmaceutical interventions
Principles of pharmacological interventions will be explored to include the mechanisms of action in relation to drugs (to include the administration of blood and blood products) most frequently used in the management of haematological and oncological diseases.

Health education and promotion
Health education and promotion to include risk factors and preventative strategies.

Palliative care, death and bereavement
Role of the children's nurse in caring for children with terminal illnesses. palliative care, bereavement and grief. Supporting bereaved parents/siblings/family

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Hockenberry, M.J., and Wilson, D.: 2018, Wong's Nursing Care of Infants and Children, 11th Edition, Mosby, 1760, 032354939X
  • Gibson, F., and Soanes, L.: 2008, Cancer in Children and Young People, Wiley, 432, 9780470058671
  • Carter, B.S.; Levetown, M.; and Friebert, S.E.: 2011, Palliative Care for Infants, Children, and Adolescents: A Practical Handbook, 2nd Ed, John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 1421401495
  • Feusner, J.; Hastings, C.A.; and Agrawal, A.K.: 2015, Supportive Care in Pediatric Oncology: A Practical Evidence-Based Approach, Springer, New York, 3662443163
  • Friedrichsdorf, S.J.: 2019, Pediatric Palliative Care, MDPI, 252, 9783038973515


Articles:
None
Other Resources

  • 1: Website, Irish Haemophilia Society,
  • 415152: 1, Website, Irish Cancer Society,
  • http://www.cancer.ie/: 415153, 1, Website, UK Sickle Cell Society
  • http://www.sicklecellsociety.org/: 415154, 1, Website, Children with Leukaemia
  • http://www.leukaemia.org/: 415155, 1, Website, The Aplastic Anaemia Trust
  • http://www.theaat.org.uk/THEAAT.nsf/ap/05F4057A6ECDF86180256CE100606756?OpenDocument:

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