Nursing - Children's Cardia Care

The programme is aimed at healthcare professionals preparing for specialist practice. It is specifically suitable for those already in possession of a Graduate Diploma e.g. in Critical Care Nursing (Children), the Graduate Diploma in Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing, or equivalent.

Programme Strengths

Students on this programme will undertake clinical placements in CHI at Crumlin based on area of work and individual learning needs. Clinical placements will allow you to experience the care of a wide spectrum of presenting cardiac conditions including congenital heart disease, and acquired cardiac defects in settings including the cardiac catheterisation laboratory, cardiac intensive care, the hybrid lab and cardiac theatre.

Lectures are both clinical and university-based and are delivered by a wide range of specialists. These include Specialist Nurses, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Cardiologists and Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Pharmacists, Radiologists,
Dieticians, Physiotherapists and Psychologists.

There is a strong emphasis on continuous progression of clinical ability and clinical effectiveness through continuous assessment, including objective standardised clinical examinations (OSCEs), case presentations, poster presentations and discussion boards.

The programme offers a flexible pathway – recognition of prior learning can be utilised where applicable.

The ability to pivot to a blended format enhanced by the learning platform ‘Brightspace’.

Access to student support services including a dedicated student advisor, librarian and access to the UCD Writing Centre

Semester 1 - NMHS44180 Fundamental Concepts of Children's Cardiac Care
Semester 1&2 - NMHS43720 Advanced Children's Critical Care
Semester 2 - NMHS44170 Specialist Considerations in Children's Cardiac Care
Semester 1 and Sem 2 - NMHS42460 Clinical Practicum: Paediatric Critical Care Nursing

Original transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) & notarised English translations where relevant

Nurse applicants: A current photocopy of NMBI registration or equivalent (e.g. NMC)
Other health care professionals: A current photocopy of registration with professional registration body
Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport
Signed Declaration Form from Employer (original form)
Completed Professional Reference Form (original form)
Completed Clinical Competence Assessor Nomination Form signed by the nominee
Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)
Successful confirmation of RPL/RPEL as appropriate.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL may be granted in respect of individual modules if applicants can demonstrate that the modules' learning outcomes have been achieved through prior credentialled or experiential learning. In some cases, where an applicant does not meet the prerequisites for entry to a programme, an RPL application may be considered.

The following entry routes are available:

Grad Cert Children's Cardiac Care PT (XA06)
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

Potential applicants can submit an expression of interest in undertaking the Programme to their manager. This must be done well in advance of commencing the programme so that funding and specialist placements can be organised.

Once an applicant applies to the University applicants receive communication from the Programme Administrator, and when the entry criteria are met, they may be offered a place in the Programme.

1 year part-time.
MODE OF DELIVERY: Blended

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.