UCC SONM 25 Year Book

UCC / School of Nursing and Midwifery

Undergraduate Nursing Degree (BSc) with Professional Registration

ACUTE CARE (GENERAL NURSING) ACUTE CARE (GENERAL AND CHILDRENS NURSING) PSYCHIATRIC NURSING INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY NURSING

Deirdre Fehilly, Diploma in Nursing, Graduate from first Group in 1999

THE FIRST DIPLOMA IN NURSING AND BSc DEGREE OFFERED

A BSc Degree in Nursing Studies for registered nurses was introduced (in 1996) together with a Diploma in Nursing (in 1996/97) for entry level students in association with one Health Service Provider the Mercy Hospital (This was extended to 4 other health service providers (CUH, Bon Secours, Psychiatric services and COPE Foundation) in 1997/98. The changes to the Diploma meant supernumerary status for student nurses; student involvement in clinical areas to gain experience rather than to give service; a grant rather than a salary; extension of the theoretical component; teaching of specialist subjects in the biological and social sciences by university departments, and access by right to a one-year degree programme.

BSc DEGREE (NURSING STUDIES) FOR REGISTERED NURSES

This degree is taken by graduates with the Diploma in Nursing or other University Diplomas, and registered nurses who had significant further study and clinical experience. It extends over a one-or two-year period with students continuing to work in clinical practice. A wide range of teaching and learning strategies, including blended learning, is used. This course aims to build on the foundations provided by pre-registration nursing courses and professional experience. It fosters analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling qualified nurses to become more effective in clinical practice. It promotes the idea of evidence-based practice by providing nurses with an awareness of nursing research and relevant research methodologies. On completion of the course, students are in a position to apply for further postgraduate education courses at certificate/postgraduate diploma or MSc level. This programme has also proved to be particularly popular with international students and in recent years has seen a substantial increase in the number of students applying to undertake this course of study. A significant cohort of international students come from India.

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