The aim of the course is to provide registered nurses, working in care homes, with a strong foundation in providing specialist care for older people.
The course will provide students with advanced knowledge and specialist clinical skills in the practice of nursing older people. Those completing the programme will gain key, transferable and specialist skills to optimise the care of residents living in care homes.
Nursing Care of the Older Person in Care Home Settings highlights
Career Development
This postgraduate certificate in Nursing Care of the Older Person in Care Home Settings is the only such programme within the island of Ireland. It is only the second postgraduate course in the United Kingdom that specifically focuses on care home settings.
Further Study Opportunities
Students can elect to accept the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Care of the Older Person in Care Home Settings or they may wish to carry credits forward into further postgraduate study. Students may wish to complete additional level 7 modules and a dissertation to make up the credits for the award of a Masters Degree.
The Postgraduate Certificate is offered over two 12-week semesters over one academic year. Students may enrol on a part-time basis only (one day per week).
Assessment
Module assessment requires students to critically consider ways in which they can optimise the care of their current residents and how they can implement quality improvement in their practice. The module and assessment therefore focus on active improvement of care practice.
Module overview
The course will be delivered via three modules and contains 60 credits of the established and well-regarded specialist practice programme (older people’s pathway). One module takes place in semester one and two modules are in semester two.
Nursing and Midwifery The programme is led by Dr Gary Mitchell who is a registered nurse with significant practice and research experience within the care home sector.
Gary, a senior lecturer (education) at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, also occupies the role of Chair for the Royal College of Nursing's Older People's Forum.
Contact Teaching Hours
Medium Group Teaching
6 (hours maximum) Each module has 3 contact teaching hours per week.
Teaching Times
Teaching will be delivered using a blended approach, approx 60% at Queen’s University Belfast and the remaining 40% delivered via online lectures. All teaching will take place on Wednesdays.
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:
Teaching
Morning and Afternoon.
Part-time (1 day per week)
Virtual Learning Environment
Access to lecture notes and teaching material is provided via the University Virtual Learning Environment, Canvas.
Assessment
Assessment will be by written assignments and presentation.
Module assessment requires students to critically consider ways in which they can optimise the care of their current residents and how they can implement quality improvement in their practice. The module and assessment therefore focus on active improvement of care practice.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
This module aims to provide the practitioner with the opportunity to develop clinical competencies utilising a holistic and compassionate response to the multiple problems older people may experience. The module emphasises the need to work in partnership with the patient/carer to assist them in making informed choices, agreeing a plan that respects patient preferences including their right to refuse or limit treatment. The module begins with a critical examination of evidenced-based nursing practice and then provides the students with an opportunity to build on their knowledge of various clinical conditions that are common in the older person.
Students will address the following themes:
• Assessment of the Older Adult
• Nursing Interventions for Common Clinical Problems, patient deterioration and Co-morbidities in the Older Adult
• High Risk Pathophysiology in Older Adults, including COVID-19: Medical and Nursing Management
• Medication and Older People
• Health Promotion and Later Life
• Psychiatry of Old Age
Learning Outcomes
Aim: To enable students to effectively assess, plan, implement and evaluate safe and effective care of older people in primary, secondary, and tertiary care.
On completion of the module the student will be expected to:
1. Systematically review evidence-based nursing assessments of older people’s physical, psychological, cognitive and social functioning.
2. Evaluate critically the application of an evidence-based approach to the nursing care of clinical problems and high-risk pathophysiological conditions experienced by older people.
3. Apply advanced knowledge of the diverse and many-faceted needs of older people, their carers and families and match these to the specific services required in hospital or community.
4. Critically appraise the role of the multi-disciplinary team in developing comprehensive health education and health promotion programmes for the older person.
Skills
Demonstrate an ability to undertake a risk assessment of an older person experiencing acute or chronic illness, and/or frailty.
Critically analyse the specialist nurse’s role in the multi-disciplinary team.
Articulate the need to develop a therapeutic relationship with the older person.
The ability to facilitate an explanation to an older person receiving care, the effects and potential side effects of prescribed medication.
The aim of this module is to provide students with advanced knowledge in the study of nursing older people and the range of psychosocial interventions which may be employed to deliver effective nursing care to this client group. While the emphasis is on knowledge originating from evidence, it is recognized that a full and comprehensive knowledge of older people is not limited to that derived from empirical research. The overall emphasis is on breadth in respect to ways of knowing the living experience of older people, highlighting the need to respect the patient, in relation to diversity, values, beliefs and expectations about their health and care.
Students will address the following themes:
• Myths; Images of Age, Ageism and Old Age
• Theories of Ageing
• Health Policy, Economics, and the Care of Older People
• Design and Age-Friendly Communities
• Illness, Co-Morbidities and Frailty
• Psychological Issues- to include spirituality and sexuality
• Ethical Issues and older people
Learning Outcomes
Aim: To explore the impact of living longer and provide students with critical insights about biopsychosocial aspects of ageing within nursing practice, policy, the built environment, economics, and ethics to rethink what it means to 'age well' now and in the future.
On completion of the module the student will be expected to:
1 Critically review the political, economic, social, cultural and demographic factors which influence decisions about the health care of older people.
2 Critically analyse the organizational issues and dilemmas pertinent to the delivery of care to older people.
3 Critically discuss the ethical and legal issues which impact on the lives of older people, their families, carers or significant others.
4 Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts: partnership, collaboration, co-production, empowerment, advocacy and choice, which will enhance the creativity and human potential of the specialist practitioner in the nursing care of older people.
Skills
Facilitate the older person to be empowered in the health care settings.
Critically analyse the specialist nurse’s role as an advocate.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with older people.
Critically discuss with an older person their rights as a service user in a care setting.
Display a positive attitude to client/family/carers of older people.
Articulate the range of legislation which underpins service delivery.
This module focuses on supporting students to work alongside older people whose function and health are worsening. Teaching will focus on the rehabilitative principles of care for older people in primary, secondary, and tertiary care. The module emphasises the need for a comprehensive multi-disciplinary approach to assessing the needs of older people, recognising the role of multiple providers of health and social care across the public, voluntary and community, and private sectors. A person-centred, collaborative approach to rehabilitative care guided by evidence-based practice will underpin delivery of this module.
Students will address the following themes:
• Rehabilitative Principles of Care for Older People
• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA Tool)
• Distinguishing Comorbidity, Disability and Frailty
• Evidence-based rehabilitative interventions for older adults
• Interventions in frailty care and enhancing independence
• Healthcare robotics: assistive technology for older adults
• Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Chronic Disease
Learning Outcomes
Aim: To enhance student knowledge, confidence, and practice in relation to care which maximises independence, supports rehabilitation or palliates symptom management in frail older people
On completion of the module the student will be expected to:
1 Critically analyse models of frailty, conceptual understandings of disability, rehabilitation strategies, and enablement amongst older people.
2 Critically appraise the recognized models of health promotion and their applicability to the care of older people and their significant others.
3 Coherently debate the importance of empowerment and respect in promoting physical, psychological and social rehabilitation.
4 Explore a range of psychosocial interventions which may be employed to promote rehabilitation in older populations.
Skills
Demonstrate the ability to carry out a multi-dimensional assessment of older people.
Ability to explore a range of health promotion strategies for older people in health care settings.
Actively participate in a rehabilitation programme for older people receiving care.
Articulate the ability to effectively participate in person centred care.
Facilitate coping responses in relation to distress of older people.
Applicants must:
• Hold a first level Registered Nurse qualification on the appropriate part of the Nursing and Midwifery Council Professional Register
• Hold a primary degree.
• Be currently working in a care home setting.
• Be available to undertake the course on the date of commencement.
A limited number of fully funded places (provided by the Department for the Economy) are available for this programme. Where there are more eligible applications received than places available, the academic selectors for this programme will make offers in rank order based on academic merit and potential as evidenced in the totality of the information provided in each application. We will operate a waiting list as required to allow us to fill all available funded places. If you have not been selected for a funded place, we will accept self-funded or employer-funded applicants, if spaces are available.
Further information is available at the link below.
Closing date for applications is Friday 16th August 2024 at 12 noon. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than the deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page. https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/skill-up-flexible-skills-fund/
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not their first language must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
This programme offers an opportunity for students to develop skills of analytical thinking while facilitating student's continued professional development.
Prizes and Awards
QUB School of Nursing and Midwifery was awarded the 2023 Student Nursing Times, Nurse Education Provider of the Year (post-registration).
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
No tuition fees are payable by eligible students for the programme as it is funded by the Department for the Economy’s Skill Up programme. Please refer to https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/skillup for further information.
Applicants must meet the entry criteria for the course and be:
• over 18 years of age;
• eligible to work in Northern Ireland;
• settled in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or
is a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.