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Certificate in Emergency Nursing

Course Points
20
Course Duration
26 weeks
Course Level
Level 8
Course Start Date
January 2025

Two great reasons to consider this course

  • This course was designed in conjunction with the Health Service Executive
  • Blended course delivery (online & in-class) to allow greater flexibility to learners as they manage full-time employment and part-time study.

Course Summary

The Certificate in Emergency Nursing is a 20 credit Level 8 Special Purpose Award delivered over 26 weeks using a blended learning delivery. It is a clinically based programme which aims to enhance the novice nurses' knowledge, skills and competencies in the delivery of evidence based care for patients who are victims of accidents and sudden illness within an ED (Emergency Department).

Important notice about this course

Next Intake January 2025

Applications will open in autumn 2024 

Emergency Nursing has developed into a distinct specialist area of practice and as the ED is a gateway to the hospital environment, it is necessary for ED staff to have an extensive range of skills and resources to meet the demands of patients. Maximising the scope of nurses working in EDs will support the achievement of the goals of the EMP (Emergency Medicine Programme, HSE) namely to improve access, quality and cost in Emergency Medicine in Ireland. The EMP envisages that Emergency nurses, support staff and multidisciplinary team will liaise closely to ensure the patient receives the optimum level of care. 

This programme which has been developed by a consortium of five Institutes of Technology (AIT, DkIT, LyIT, IT Tralee, WIT), is specifically for nurses working in Emergency Departments and supports the goals of the EMP. 

The programme provides for the continuing professional development of nurses through education, clinical practice, leadership and research utilisation, providing a pathway for the nurse to evolve not only professionally, but also personally which will enable him/her to fulfil their potential.

The programme consists of two modules:

Emergency Nursing Foundation Module:  This module will allow nurses who care for patients in an ED to develop their knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of acutely ill patients.  Indicative content includes: Holistic patient assessment and clinical decision making: Triage in the ED; Cardiovascular and Respiratory system; Sepsis; Neurological Assessment; GI assessment; Acute Surgical Patients: The older person; Acute endocrine disorders; Anaphylaxis; Tissue Viability; Pain Management; Paediatric Patients; Obstetric Patients; Non-Life/Limb threatening Injuries; Trauma; Major Emergency Planning; Mental Health; Patients with an Intellectual Disability: Vulnerable Adults: Psychosocial Impact of Illness: Quality Improvement. 

Clinical Placement Emergency Nursing This module will provide the student with exposure to clinical placement in emergency nursing so that s/he continues to develop confidence and competence in the practice of nursing.

This programme is delivered one day a week over one semester using a blended learning approach. 

Students will be required to attend remote live online lectures, from 9.30am to 4.30pm, for approx. 6 days. In addition, there are 2 days (9.30am to 4.30pm) Face to Face in DkIT. There are also 2 days (9.30-4.30pm) of recorded lectures.

 

 

 

Please note this timetable is subject to change.

You MUST be:  

  • Registered Nurse with the NMBI (or equivalent)
  • Currently employed or have access to work in an Emergency Department

Priority will be given to HSE nursing staff currently employed in an Emergency Department

HSE nurses who can secure a placement in an Emergency Department and nurses from non HSE organisations who work in an Emergency Department may be offered a place on the programme subject to meeting the programme entry criteria and the availability of places.

Due to the blended learning delivery within this course students should have access to a PC / Mac, a headset with a mic, and a broadband internet connection from home, so as to be able to fully participate in the course.

Candidates may be interviewed.

Dr. Geraldine O’Connor (Head of Section (Part-Time Courses), School of Health and Science)
Email: geraldine.oconnor@dkit.ie

Course ID DK_NCEMN_8
Course Type Flexible & Professional
Study Mode Part-Time
Level 8
Duration 26 weeks
Fees €950
Starting Date January 2025
School School of Health & Science
Department Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years
Credits 20
Awarding Body Dundalk Institute of Technology
Delivery Method Blended

How To Apply

Apply for this course using our online applications system as per below. You must also upload a completed Applicant Checklist(.docx) to the Supplemental Items & Documents section of your online application.

Disclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).