307482 v.1 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Specialisation (Nurse Practitioner)

Introduction

Aims to prepare advanced Registered Nurses for the role of Nurse Practitioner. The integrated curriculum is designed to develop the higher-level knowledge and skills required for nurses working in an expanded level of practice. The curriculum has a broad scope for relevance and utility, yet has a balance between generic and specific content. It includes theoretical and clinical practice components and focuses on advanced practice across a range of clinical applications. The key elements of the curriculum are professional accountability, competence to practice, evidenced-based practice, critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning, clinical decision making, and the quality use of medicines. Integral to and incorporated throughout the curriculum is the conceptof cultural security. To provide for specific Nurse Practitioner role development the curriculum includes clinical and problem based learning opportunities and a preceptored clinical practicum / internship.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Nurses registered in Division I with the Nurses Board of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Science, Nursing, or its equivalent will be eligible to commence the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Specialisation (Nurse Practitioner). Applicants must have completed a one-year graduate clinical practice program or its equivalent. Additionally, applicants must have completed a minimum of two years full time equivalent practice in their selected clinical specialisation. Formal preparation in the selected clinical specialisation is desirable. Alternate mode of entry (non-degree) into the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Specialisation (Nurse Practitioner) will be offered to nurses registered in Division I with the Nurses Board of Western Australia but without an undergraduate degree. Applicants must have completed a minimum of two years full-time equivalent practice in their selected clinical specialisation, including on-the-job training, and meet the criteria for alternate mode of entry. International applicants must be registered in Division I with the Nurses Board of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Science (Nursing), or its equivalent and have formal preparation and experience in their selected specialty.

Specific Requirements

Prospective students are advised to contact the relevant Course Coordinator to determine whether the University's Policy on communicable diseases applies to specific courses offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery before making application for the course. Students are advised that a Criminal Record Screening and Clearance may be required for students in specific courses offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Please refer to the General section at the front of this Handbook.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This fee paying course is one year full-time or equivalent part-time study.

Course Organisation

Students complete the 50 credit internship component of this course in an approved hospital or agency.

Professional Recognition

Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as Nurse Practitioner in Division One of the Nurses Board of Western Australia register.

Career Opportunities

Graduates registered with the Nurses Board of Western Australia, as Nurse Practitioner, will be eligible to practice in areas designated by the Western Australian Director General of Health.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on area of study.

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.