Children's Nursing (Higher Diploma)

Higher Diploma in Children's Nursing

Course Details

CAO Code:
Course Type:
Undergraduate
NFQ Level:
NFQ Level
8 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Delivery Mode:
Full-time
Minimum Points
N/A
Duration:
1 yr
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 5947

If you¡¯re already a registered nurse who would like to specialise in paediatric nursing, this course is for you.

Overview

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This course is delivered by academic and clinical leaders in the field of paediatrics, and you are guaranteed employment as a registered children¡¯s nurse nationally and internationally upon completion of the programme . 

As you are already registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), you will bring your existing theoretical knowledge and clinical experience to the course which will be enhanced and built upon throughout your studies. We aim to foster a mindset of lifelong learners and appreciate that you  already have that philosophy as you are pursuing further career development.

All you need for a career in paediatrics
During the course, you¡¯ll gain extensive clinical exposure alongside evidence based theoretical knowledge and skills, ensuring you¡¯ll feel confident to work in any paediatric healthcare setting worldwide. Our curriculum is developed in line with the NMBI Standards and Requirements for Post-Registration programmes and based on the principles of cyclical and continuous learning.  

Every graduate is guaranteed to find employment once they have completed this course. Possible career pathways include working in public or private healthcare settings, occupational health or education, either in Ireland or abroad. You may also opt to continue your professional education to Master¡¯s and PhD level.

DCU People

Profile picture of Nwigbo Ogechukwu
Nwigbo Ogechukwu
Alumni

This has been a uniquely interesting programme. Generally, it is quite intensive and fast-paced with a large burden on the student for self-directed learning and research.


Read more about Nwigbo Ogechukwu
Profile picture of Joy Conlon
Joy Conlon
Staff

I have always been passionate about learning and empowering others.


Read more about Joy Conlon

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

Qualified nurses who undertake the Higher Diploma in Children's Nursing course have greater opportunities in the vast area of public and private healthcare at home and abroad. You may also opt to continue your professional education to Master¡¯s level.

 

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.

Children's Nurse
Community Nurse
Education
General Nurse
Researcher
Children's Nurse
Community Nurse
Education
General Nurse
Researcher

Entry Requirements

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Applicants must be:
A registered nurse or eligible to register with Bord Altranais agus Cnaimhseachais na hEireann (Nursing and MIdwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)) as a Registered General Nurse, a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Registered Nurse Intellectual Disability;

AND

Hold a Diploma in nursing or judged equivalent.

AND
Students must have at least six months post-registration clinical nursing experience.
Applicants who do not have a Diploma in Nursing (or judged equivalent) will have their prior certified learning assessed through a system of APEL (Approved Prior Experiential Learning) and will be advised to complete the access modules successfully. Each individual's application will be assessed by the APEL Board for evidence of prior certified learning and deficits in prior certified learning and deficits in prior certified learning to Diploma level.

There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

No Entry Path

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

Course Structure

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This one-year, full-time course includes 12 weeks of lectures, 36 weeks of clinical experience and four weeks¡¯ holidays. All the lectures are delivered in the School of Nursing and Human Sciences at DCU with a three-week block at the beginning of the programme followed by two-days-per-week block release over a five-week period in semester one and a 12-week period in semester two.

Students will undertake the 36-weeks clinical practice within the clinical environment in Temple Street Children¡¯s University Hospital, attending partner services for specialist placements. The 36 weeks will be divided into two practice modules and will include four weeks holidays at a specified time.

For the course¡¯s duration, students will be employees of Temple Street Children¡¯s University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1.

Upon completion of the course, students will be eligible to register with Bord Altranais agus Cna?imhseachais na hE?ireann (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) as a Registered Children¡¯s Nurse (RCN).

Fees and Funding

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How To Apply

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The closing date for submissions of CV¡¯s and letter of application is 7th February 2024. Applications must be completed through the advertised post on CHI.jobs by clicking ¡®Apply for Job¡¯. Applications will not be accepted through direct email or any other method.

To apply visit: https://www.rezoomo.com/job/59164/?source=light&color=253C70&from=chi.j¡­

For general enquires please contact Suzanne Cullen, Nursing Workforce Lead at CHI suzanne.cullen1@nchg.ie or snpchenquiries@dcu.ie  

Life On Campus

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DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

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