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Certificate in Nursing: Caring for the Adult Undergoing Electro Convulsive Therapy

Course Points
10
Course Duration
1 Semester
Course Level
Level 9
Course Places
14 Places
Course Start Date
January 2024

Course Summary

This 1 semester part-time programme has been developed in conjunction with the HSE. Its aim is to enable the experienced registered nurse to develop knowledge and skills to practice as an ECT nurse in an approved centre and to integrate this knowledge into their practice.

Important notice about this course

Next Intake Janaury 2024 - Applications will open from end-October

As part of the administration of ECT, a designated ECT nurse is responsible for ensuring the equipment required for the therapy is checked and tested, ensures the pre-anaesthetic assessment is completed, is present in the room during the administration of ECT and has overall responsibility for the nursing care of the service user receiving ECT (Mental Health Commission 2016).

Students will study the following:

  • Electro convulsive Therapy
  • Communication
  • Law and Ethics
  • Neurobiological Mechanisms
  • Service User considerations
  • Professional Issues
  • Skills Training

The programme is delivered via blended learning with a mixture of live on -line lectures from and face to face lectures in DkIT.

Students are also required to undertake independent and directed study

NB: During the programme, the student must complete a two-week clinical placement in a theatre setting. This must include one week in theatre/anaesthetics and one week in a Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU). 

This placement must be sourced (by the student in conjunction with DkIT) prior to the commencement of the programme.

This programme enables the experienced registered nurse to develop knowledge and skills to practice as an ECT nurse in an approved centre1 and to integrate this knowledge into their practice.

  • Applicants must be a Registered Nurse with NMBI or equivalent  
  • Applicants must be currently employed in Mental Health Services  
  • Applicants must be qualified at least 6 months 
  • Applicants must complete and submit the Employer Support Form in support of their application and agree to facilitate the learner’s teaching practice
  • Applicants must have an in-date basic life support certificate.
  • Applicants must be in good health and complete a health declaration prior to commencing the programme
  • 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

Dr. Geraldine O’Connor

Head of Section (Part-Time Courses), School of Health and Science

Phone: +353 42 9370200 Ext 2736 
Email: geraldine.oconnor@dkit.ie
Course ID DK_NNECT_9
Course Type Flexible & Professional, Postgraduate
Study Mode Part-Time
Level 9
Duration 1 Semester
Fees €800
Starting Date January 2024
School School of Health & Science
Department Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years
Credits 10
Awarding Body Dundalk Institute of Technology
Delivery Method Blended