Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2010 - 2011

Module Title	Introduction to Children's Nursing
Module Code	NS426
School	School of Nursing and Human Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr Tracey Harrington	Office Number	H265
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

Drawing on students previous theoretical knowledge and clinical experiences, this module explores the philosophical and theoretical foundations of childrens nursing and its application in practice. The module will also enable the student to use the nursing process to identify the needs of the child and their family and to develop clinical skills deemed essential for competent nursing care.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critique historical and contemporary factors that influence the development of the childrens nurse in health care and community settings
2. Appraise the physical, cognitive and psychosocial growth and development needs of children and adolescents.
3. Evaluate the knowledge skills and attitudes required to deliver a family centered approach to care to the child within a hospital or community setting.
4. Review current national and international policies and initiatives surrounding child protection and welfare
5. Explore effective modes of communication with the child and family in the healthcare and community setting.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	30	School of nursing building
Clinical laboratory	6	Simulated learning enviornment
Independent Study	89	No Description
Total Workload: 125

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

Role of the childrens nurse
Exploration of the evolution and development of the role of the childrens nurse in various healthcare settings, including the community.

The philosophical & theoretical foundations of the key concepts underpinning childrens nursing practice (including childrens nursing models, Family Centred Care).

Analyse the context of childrens nursing within current health care provision both nationally and internationally and analyse the changing demographic trends in child healthcare from hospital based care to community based care.

Critically examine contemporary issues surrounding child protection and welfare of children.

Impact of illness, disability and hospitalisation for children and families. Nursing assessment strategies care planning and delivery techniques and evaluation of care.

Developmental milestones, psychosocial, emotional, cognitive, moral and language development throughout the lifespan.

Importance of play and education as a developmental and therapeutic activity.

Safety issues in the hospital environment and other care settings.

Discuss the nutritional needs of children, principles of feeding infants, toddlers and children, elimination, sleep patterns and personal hygiene in childhood.

Develop age appropriate interpersonal, cross cultural communication techniques and skills essential for therapeutic relationships with children and their families.

Explore the use of the reflective process in childrens nursing..

Models and principles of midwifery practice and factors affecting foetal and maternal health and wellbeing.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Marilyn J. Hockenberry, David Wilson (editors): 2007, Wong's nursing care of infants and children, Mosby Elsevier, St. Louis, Mo., 0323039634
Janet Kelsey, Gillian McEwing,: 0, Clinical Skills in Child Health Practice, 0443103402
Edited by Ethel Trigg, Toby A. Mohammed; foreword by Sally Huband: 2006, Practices in children's nursing, Elsevier Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 0443100225
Carol A. Chamley... [et al.]; foreword by Helen Langton: 0, Developmental anatomy and physiology of children, 0443073414

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

PRCN	Higher Diploma in Children's Nursing

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