Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2013 - 2014

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 children's 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 role of the children's nurse in health care and community settings.
2. Evaluate the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to deliver a child focused and family centered approach to care within a variety of healthcare settings.
3. Examine current national and international policies and initiatives surrounding child safety, protection and welfare.
4. Explore effective modes of communication with the child and family in healthcare and community settings.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	30	Core lecture subjects
Clinical laboratory	6	Demonstrations and practice sessions related to core topics.
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 Children's Nurse
Exploration of the evolution and development of the role of the children's nurse in various healthcare settings, including the community.

Philosophical & Theoretical Foundations of Children's Nursing Practice
Children's nursing models, child focused and family centred approches.

National and International Healthcare Policies
The context of children's nursing within current health care provision both nationally and internationally. Analysis of the changing demographic trends in child healthcare from hospital based care to community based care.

Child Safety, Protection and Welfare
Contemporary issues surrounding child safety, protection and welfare in the hospital, community and other healthcare settings. This includes the principles and practice of safe administration of medications.

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

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

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

The Well Child
Nutritional needs of children, principles of feeding infants, toddlers and children, elimination, sleep patterns and personal hygiene in childhood.

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

Reflective Practice
The use of the reflective process in children's nursing.

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

Janet Kelsey, Gillian McEwing: 0, Clinical Skills in Child Health Practice, 0443103402
Imelda Coyne, Fiona Timmins, Freda Neill,: 2010, Clinical Skills for Children's Nursing, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 978-0-19-955903-9
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
Lynda Smith (Editor), Valerie Coleman (Editor): 2009, Child and Family-centred Healthcare, 2nd, Palgrave Macillian, 978-0-230-20596-3

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

PRCN	Higher Diploma in Children's Nursing

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