Nursing - Cancer Nursing - Children

How will I benefit?
On successful completion of the programme, you will receive a Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Children's Cancer Nursing). This is a highly regarded qualification for nurses caring for children with cancer in Ireland.

Possessing a broad and deep understanding of the theory and skills required for caring for children with cancer, you will be well positioned to work in a variety of settings specialising in this area both nationally and internationally. As the programme is particularly aimed at preparing nurses to assume the role of clinical nurse specialist, many nurses eventually take up CNS positions and some may undertake further study required for the role of ANP in children's cancer nursing. Many nurses also proceed to assume CNM/Educational/Clinical Facilitator roles.

Who should apply?
Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

The programme is aimed at advancing the registered nurse's repertoire of knowledge and skills in the care of children with cancer; it is particularly aimed at preparing the nurse to assume the role of clinical nurse specialist in this area.

This is a good option for nurses who have already completed a level 9 Graduate Diploma in another nursing specialty. This is a good option for nurses who have already completed a level 9 Graduate Diploma in another nursing specialty. Please refer to the RPL information below for further information.

Vision and Values Statement
The Graduate Certificate in Children's Cancer Nursing is an academic and clinically based programme designed for students who wish to deepen and broaden their knowledge and expertise in the care of children and adolescents with cancer in order to provide safe, effective and holistic care to these individuals in the context of family-centred care. The programme builds upon and advances students' existing knowledge, skills and values to promote students' capacities for critical thinking and critical self-appraisal. The purpose of the programme is to advance the students' sense of professional awareness, commitment, professional responsibility and accountability in the context of childhood cancer. The programme is concerned with the promotion, enhancement and maintenance of health in the context of childhood cancer. The Graduate Certificate in Children's Cancer Nursing recognises that individual, family, social groupings and cultures influence the life experiences of children diagnosed with cancer and that healthcare practitioners have a social responsibility to promote health.

The Graduate Certificate in Children's Cancer Nursing curriculum is student-focused, research-led and research informed. A wide variety of pedagogical approaches to teaching, learning and assessment are used to enhance the student experience, thereby, encouraging the incremental development of learning. The curriculum is developed with stakeholder involvement to ensure that it meets the current and future needs of cancer nurses who work in a complex and evolving healthcare system. Learning takes place in multiple environments across the university and clinical setting. Learning is facilitated by the use of a variety of innovative pedagogies and technologies to meet emerging student, professional and health system needs.

The involvement of cancer clinicians and paediatric oncology clinicians in teaching and assessment is a major strength of the programme. Other strengths of the programme include student centred clinical placements in designated cancer centres and programme co-ordination by a programme director with clinical expertise in cancer nursing, appropriate education and research qualifications and who is actively conducting cancer-related research.

List of specialist modules:
•Fundamentals of Cancer
•Psychological Impact of Chronic Illness
•Children's Cancer Nursing
•Clinical Practicum (Children's Cancer)

•Applicants must hold a primary degree in Nursing (or equivalent in related discipline)/APEL consideration if no degree

•Applicants must be entered onto the appropriate division of the Nurses Register maintained by An Bord Altranais (be registered as an RCN)

•Applicants must hold a Graduate Diploma in another specialist area of nursing or have obtained 30 ECT (credits) at Level 9 (Masters Level in both research and theoretical aspects of nursing)

•Other criteria to be used in the assessment of the application include number of years of experience, and evidence of ongoing professional development

Specific requirements
•Applicants must have at least one year's experience in Children's Cancer Nursing at time of attendance

•Applicants for the Adult and Children's Cancer Nursing strands will be required to demonstrate competency in the administration of systemic anti-cancer treatments and will therefore normally be based on oncology/haematology wards and/or oncology/haematology day wards (preferably rotating across both settings) prior to and for the duration of the programme. Applicants for the Adult and Children's Cancer Nursing strands who are caring for patients with cancer but who are not based in the aforementioned settings will require a letter of support from their Assistant Director of Nursing undertaking to facilitate a placement in oncology/haematology for at least 6 weeks over the course of the programme.

The following entry routes are available:

Grad Cert Children's Cancer Nursing PT (X683)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

1 year part-time. This is a one (academic) year programme, broken down into two semesters.

Careers/where can I go?
Possessing a broad and deep understanding of the theory and skills required for caring for children with cancer, you will be well positioned to work in a variety of settings specialising in this area both nationally and internationally. As the programme is particularly aimed at preparing nurses to assume the role of clinical nurse specialist, many nurses eventually take up CNS positions and some may undertake further study required for the role of ANP in children's cancer nursing. Many nurses also proceed to assume CNM/Educational/Clinical Facilitator roles.