MSc Advanced Paediatric Nurse Practitioner (APNP) in Acute/Critical Care(180 credits Level M)
MSc Advanced Practitioner in Paediatric Acute/Critical Care(180 credits Level M)
PG Dip in Paediatric Acute/Critical Care(120 credits Level M)
PG Cert in Paediatric Acute/Critical Care (60 credits Level M)
Introduction
The Advanced Practitionerrole in paediatrics is a concept driven by the NHS modernisation agenda as it represents a convergence of three national policy streams (i.e. modernisation, advanced practice and care for neonates, infants, children and young people). It also signifies a shift from the traditional ‘physician only’ model of paediatric service delivery and establishes Advanced Practitioners as important players in the delivery of new ways of working to provide consistent and quality critical care services for infants, children and young people.
The objective of this clinical Master’s programme is the development of Advanced Practitioners in Paediatric Acute and Critical Care that can:
1) Assess, diagnose and manage the wide variety of conditions that present in paediatric acute/critical care settings.
2) Lead the delivery of high quality, evidence-based, advanced practice in the current (and complex) service delivery landscape.
Modules in the last year of the programme focus on advanced skills in evidenced-based practice, case management of infants, children and adolescents with complex health needs and issues in advanced practice (with a special emphasis on the development and implementation of new roles).
The programme places tremendous emphasis on clinical expertise and requires over 500 hours of precepted practice in a variety of acute and/or critical care settings. In addition, the programme is unique in its integration of research and evidence-based practice in each module (rather than consolidating the research into a large dissertation project).This shift from a traditional MSc educationalstructure operationalises the concepts of modernisation and evidence-based practice as you will research, evaluate and apply the evidence base to advanced clinical paediatrics from the very first module.
The pharmacology component of the programme allows for the optional addition of a non-medical prescribing (NMP) module, approved by the NMC, HPC and RPSGB. The module specifically applies all content to the unique challenges associated with medicines management in paediatrics.
This is the only NMP programme in the UK with a specific paediatric application, thereby providing you with a NMP qualification that is entirely relevant to paediatrics.
Optional modules within the programme (new for 2010) include Advanced Paediatric Ventilation and Paediatric and Neonatal Transport.
CourseProgramme
Please note: use of the term ‘Paediatric’ implies content across the full age spectrum. There is the option of 1 year, 2 year or 3 year delivery, as well as stand alone CPD access to most modules. An exemplar of the full-time course is provided below; please contact the Programme Director for information on other delivery modes or CPD access.
SEMESTER 1 (Full-time exemplar)
- Advanced Paediatric Pathophysiology (20 credits Level M)
- Advanced Paediatric Health Assessment (20 credits Level M + 75 clinical hours)
- Paediatric Acute/Critical Care 1: (20 credits Level M + 120 clinical hours).
SEMESTER 2 (Full-time exemplar)
- Paediatric Acute/Critical Care 2: (20 credits Level M + 120 clinical hours)
- Management of Complex and Chronic Health Needs in Paediatrics* (20 credits Level M) This module focuses on the relationship between health, education and social care for children with complex and chronic health needs.
- Evidence-based Practice for the Advanced Practitioner* (20 credits Level M)
SEMESTER 3 (Full-time exemplar)
- Paediatric Acute/Critical Care 3: (20 credits Level M + 120 clinical hours)
- Advanced Professional Role Development* (20 credits Level M) This module focuses on the issues related to the development and implementation of new roles in paediatric advanced practice.
- Advanced Paediatric Pharmacology and Prescribing** (20 credits Level M + 90 clinical hours)
** Optional module: Non-medical Prescribing: (20 credits Level M and 90 clinical hours) that provides the relevant independent (nurses and pharmacists) or supplementary (AHPs) prescribing qualification
* These 3 sections collapse to create the larger module Advanced Management and Research in Paediatrics (60 credits Level M) which forms the basis for the non-traditional MSc structure. They are also available as stand alone options.. In addition, Advanced Paediatric Pathophysiology, Advanced Paediatric Health Assessment and the non-medical prescribing modulesare also available as stand alone options.
Delivery
Delivery of the programme will be conducted through a modified distance learning (or blended learning) approach that keeps travel to a minimum and creates greater flexibility. Our innovative, web-based, tele-conferencing software will allow you to participate in sessions (live) from your home or workplace as well as liaise with fellow students for group work, tutorials, case presentations and problem-based learning activities.
The blended learning strategy was developed in order to improve access to this pioneering and highly regarded programme that is the only advanced practice programme in the UK with an explicit paediatric focus to the entire course. If you are planning a career in paediatric advanced practice, then this is the programme for you.
Teaching on this innovative programme will be provided by an established multi-disciplinary team that will utilise a wide range of technologies (live, web-based tele-conferencing; podcasting, on-line discussion groups, etc.) alongside more traditional hands-on and face-to-face sessions such as, advanced clinical skills and actor-facilitated advanced communication training.
There will be shared learning across the three routes of the Advanced Paediatric and Neonatal Practice Programme during the foundation and dissertation modules (allowing ambulatory paediatric, neonatal critical care and paediatric acute/critical care students to share experiences and learning opportunities); students break out into their respective routes to undertake their specialty management modules.
Assessment
Each module has its own assessment strategy. Examples include: Written assignments, examination, OSCE evaluations, student presentations and portfolio development.
Admissions Criteria
Standard Entry:
Children’s Nursing Qualification plus:
1. First or second-class degree in relevant speciality
2. Appropriate academic references
3. Appropriate post-registration experience(including appropriatePICU or HDU course)
4.Support from employer
5.Satisfactory Enhanced CRB check
6.Satisfactory Occupation Health Clearance (from employer)
For CandidatesNot MeetingThe Standard Entry Requirements:
Candidates that do not hold a first degree may be considered where they are able to (additionally) demonstrate:
1. A range of skills including recent evidence of successful completion of a Level 3 academic module and/or an entry examination (seen paper pertaining torelevant clinical scenario)
2. Appropriate verbal, written and communication skills
3. The ability to seek out and analyse information
4. The ability to problem-solve and think critically
5. Research knowledge equivalent to anundergraduate research methods or evidence-based practice module (i.e 15-20 Level 3 CATS points)
Candidates that do not hold a Children’s Nursing Qualification may be considered when they are able to (additionally)demonstrate:
1. Significant clinical experience working with infants, children and young people
2. A portfolio of evidence that demonstrates theoretical knowledge with regards to the growth anddevelopment of infants, children and young people
Prospective Candidates may be required to attend an interview in order to provide evidence to support their application.
Employer Support
Employers will need to formally confirm their support and commitment to their candidate which includes evidence of:
1. Organisational support for the APNP role development (during the programme)
2. Identification and formal written support of potential clinical support for precepting/mentorship
3. Preparation and support for the APNP role implementation (post qualification)
Programme Costs
Modules within the programme are costed individually and reflect the extensive expertise of the professionals involved in course delivery. Therefore, please contact the Programme Director for specifics regarding stand alone module costs, full programme tuition costs and potential sources of funding.
Additional Information
For more information, please contact:
Cheryl Clarke
Route Leader: Paediatric Acute/Critical Care
3rd Floor Kingsway House
HattonGarden
Liverpool
L3 2AJ
Telephone: 0151 231 8170
Email:
Application forms:
Admissions Team
Faculty of Health and Applied Social Sciences
AvrilRobartsBuilding
79 Tithebarn Street
Liverpool
L2 2ER
Telephone: 0151 231 5829
Email:
Web site info: (search APNP)