Nursing - Caring for the Adult Undergoing Electro Convulsive Therapy

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 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.

Electro Convulsive Therapy
Introduction to ECT, the role of the Nurse in ECT, the clinical indications for ECT, the practical applications of ECT.

Communication
Communication skills and Psychological Preparation of service user for ECT, as well as including the use of MECCs, the Brief Psychiatric rating scale and the
Montreal Cognitive assessment.

Law and Ethics
The legal underpinning of practice for ECT and the ethical considerations pertaining to ECT as a therapy for the Nurse and the service user. Inclusion of the Assisted Decision Making Capacity act.

Biological Considerations (Old heading)
Aspects of Anaesthesia, physical and psychological preparation of the service user for anaesthesia and ECT. Neurobiology and pathophysiology.

Proposed Neurobiological Mechanisms
Neurophysiological theory (changes in cerebral blood flow, regional metabolism, blood brain barrier, EEG). Neurobiochemical theory (changes in hormones, neurotransmitters, epigenetics, neurotrophic factors, immune system). Neuroplasticity theory (changes in brain volume, functional connectivities).

Service User Considerations
Service users’ perspective of ECT, peer advocacy, service user education about ECT.

Professional Issues
Promoting Evidence based practice and promotion of ECT among staff

Skills training
Assessment of cardiac and respiratory systems, cognitive Assessment of service user pre and post ECT, Intermediate Life Support and venipuncture and cannulation.

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

Apply directly to DkIT using our online applications system. Please remember to upload the required documentation (copies of your existing qualification(s), your CV, any other support documents etc) with your online application to expedite your application. To avoid disappointment early registration is recommended.

1 semester part-time. Delivery Method: Blended.

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

24th January 009.00hrs to 17.00hrs Face to Face in DkIT
31st January 09.00hrs to 13.00hrs Live on-line lecture
7th February 09.00hrs to 13.00hrs Live on lectures
14th February 09.00hrs to 17.00hrs Face to Face in DkIT
21st February 09.00hrs to 13.00hrs Live on-line lecture
28th February 09.00hrs to 11.00hrs Live on-line lecture
6th March 09.00hrs to 13.00hrs Face to Face in DkIT
13th March 09.00hrs to 13.00hrs Live on-line lectures
20th March 09.00hrs to 13.00hrs Face to Face in DkIT
10th Arpil 09.00hrs to 13.00hrs Live on-line lectures
1st May 09.00hrs to 17.00hrs Face to Face in DkIT

Starting Date Wednesday 24th January 2024

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.