Nursing - Oncology

Course Outline
This is an exciting new pathway of the MSc/ Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing programme, Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Oncology) is being offered a blended learning programme (part online and part attendance at workshops/tutorials). It is designed to meet the needs of nurses working in oncology settings who wish to undergo a specialist oncology programme.

The philosophy underpinning oncology programmes in the School recognises the uniqueness of the individual at each stage of the cancer care trajectory. The physical and psychosocial effect of cancer creates specific needs for patients and families from diagnosis to treatment and through to survivorship.

The course provides a structured programme of study that enables the student to develop knowledge, skills and competencies in oncology nursing practice. Blended learning approach will allow more accessibility and flexibility to students of the programme.

This is a Blended Learning programme delivered mostly online with using student-centered content and accessible resources. This is complemented by attendance at workshops. Each module will have its own study guide and content will be available online.

For each 10 credit module there is an estimated 200 hours Student Workload. This includes 184 hours distance online and technology learning, with attendance at workshops for 16 hours (2 days) in UCC. The 5 credit theory modules will be half of this. Each 10 credit module runs for 6 weeks and each 5 credit module runs for 4 weeks. The practice modules involve learning from practice areas.

Semester 1 - September to December (16 weeks) contains 2x 10 credit modules and 1x 5 credit module. The student is required to attend 3 x 8 hour days and 4 x 4 hour days on campus in semester 1 for workshops, lectures and tutorials. The remainder of content is delivered online using our virtual learning environment Blackboard. Learning strategies include module study guides, discussion boards, audio/visual resources and online assessments/activities.

Semester 2 - January to May (16 weeks) contains 2x 10 credit module and 1x 5 credit module. The student is required to attend 4 x 8 hours days and 2 x 4 hours days on campus in semester 2 for workshops, lectures and tutorials. The remainder of content is delivered online using our virtual learning environment Blackboard. Learning strategies include module study guides, discussion boards, teleconferencing and online assessments.

Students will be required to prepare and submit a E-portfolio on professional development activities relating to clinical practice placement.

Prior to commencing the course each student taking a blended module will be provided with an orientation to Blackboard and training on how to use the online technology within the course. IT support will be given to students throughout the duration of the course.

Why Choose This Course
The Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology Nursing is the only course offering an MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology Nursing in the HSE Southern region. This course leads to an MSc in Nursing.

The incidence of cancer is increasing steadily in our society. Therefore, it is important that nurses working in oncology practice are equipped with advanced knowledge and skills to care for patients living with a diagnosis of cancer. The curriculum will enable students to integrate specialised knowledge and technical skills to help people living with cancer and their families throughout the cancer journey.

MODULES
The postgraduate Diploma is delivered over one academic year and on successful completion of the postgraduate diploma, students can progress to the MSc in Nursing

NU6005 Evidence Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)
NU6053 Professional, Ethical, and Legal Decision-making in Specialist Practice (5 credits)
NU6070 Clinical Leadership in Practice Enhancement for Nursing and Midwifery (10 credits)
NU6145 Foundations of Cancer Care (10 credits)
NU6146 Cancer Management and Supportive Cancer Care 1 (10 credits)
NU6147 Cancer Management and Supportive Cancer Care 2 (5 credits)
Clinical Practice/Practicum modules

NU6130 Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 1 (5 credits)
NU6131 Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 2 (5 credits)

Following successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma, students can progress to the MSc in Nursing:

MH6014 Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)
NU6073 Dissertation in Nursing (20 credits)

There are 7 clinical pathways to the degree of Masters in Nursing, all of which have an exit route available for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing. The pathways to degree of Masters including Postgraduate Diploma exit route are all available to view in the College Calendar.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS PATHWAY 11: ONCOLOGY NURSING

Applicants for this MSc in Nursing, including Postgraduate Diploma exit route, should normally:

Hold active registration on a division of the professional register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland or be eligible for such registration as required for individual pathways. For the Oncology Nursing Pathway, applicants must be Registered General Nurses;

Have clinical practice experience (and support structures, if applicable) as required for individual pathways. For the Oncology Nursing Pathway, applicants must have a minimum of six months of post-registration experience (excluding courses) and at least six months experience in the speciality pathway applied for;

Applicants must provide written evidence of support from their Director of Nursing/equivalent authorised Nurse Manager stating:
(a) The applicant will be working in the relevant specialist area for the duration of the programme for a minimum of 19.5 hours a week
(b) They will be released from practice to attend the programme requirements
(c) A Clinical Preceptor and/or Clinical Facilitator can support learning in the specialist area of practice for the duration of the programme.

Note: In exceptional circumstances, applicants who do not fulfil the entry requirements may be recommended for entry to the programme under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) following a review of their individual qualifications and experience by the programme committee. Such applicants may be invited for interview to satisfy the selection committee of their suitability for the programme. Admission of such applicants will be subject to the approval of the School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Note: Prospective students who do not fulfil the clinical practice experience entry requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology Nursing may be eligible to apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing programme (30 credits).

English Language Requirements
Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university approved English language requirements available here.

For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements, please find our grades comparison by country here.

International/non-EU applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure please visit our how to apply pages for international students. In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants.

For more information please contact the International Office.

Closing Date: 3 June 2022.

How Do I Apply

1. Choose Course
Firstly choose your course. Applicants can apply for up to two courses under one application. Details of taught courses are available on our online prospectus.

2. Apply Online
Once you have chosen your course you can apply online at the online application portal. Applicants will need to apply before the course closing date. There is a non-refundable €50 application fee for all courses apart from the Education - Professional Master of Education - (Secondary School/Post-Primary Teacher Training) which has a €100 application fee.

Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Nursing must apply on the PAC website when the programme opens for applications.

3. Gather Supporting Documents
Scanned copies of the following documents will need to be uploaded to the online application portal in support of your application. Applicants may need to produce the original documents if you are accepted onto a course and register at UCC.

Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC
Any supplementary items requested for your course.
Please log into the online application portal for more details.

4. Application processing timeline
Our online application portal opens for applications for most courses in early November of each year. Check specific course details.

5. Rounds
For courses that are in the rounds system (Irish and EU applicants), please check the rounds closing dates here.

Questions on how to apply?
Please use our web enquiry form to contact us.

Deferrals
Deferrals are not permitted on this course.

Additional Requirements
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.

Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Please add the name and email address of 2 referees.
Please upload certification of current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

All applicants must also submit a signed Declaration Form completed by the Director of Nursing/Midwifery/Equivalent Authorised Manager. The form is downloadable online: Declaration Form Nursing Pathways

Additional Information
For students who have exited this programme with the award of postgraduate diploma and wish to return to complete the Masters within 5 years, please apply for CKX13, MSc in Nursing Studies Direct Entry Year 2.

Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Credits Assignments
NU6005 Research Methods 10 Academic Paper (3000 words); E-activities.
NU6053 Ethics for Specialist Practice 5 Academic Paper (1500 words); E-activities
NU6070 Practice Enhancement 10 Academic Paper (3000 words); E-activities
NU6145 Foundations of Cancer Care 10 Academic Paper (3000 words); E-activities
NU6146 Cancer Management and Supportive Cancer Care 1 10 Academic Paper (3000 words); E-activities
NU6147 Cancer Management and Supportive Cancer Care 11 5 Academic Paper (1500 words); E-activities
NU6130 Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 1 5 Clinical Assessment of Competencies, E-Portfolios
NU6131 Clincial Practice in Specialist Nursing 11 5 Clinical Assessment of Competencies, E-Portfolios

2 Years - PG Diploma (Year 1); Masters (Year 2)
This programme will be taught online

Start Date Late August 2020
Closing Date 10 June 2020

Skills and Careers Information
This programme will enable nurses practising in an oncology setting to advance their knowledge and skills to care for patients diagnosed with cancer.