151704 v.3 Master of Clinical Nursing

Introduction

This course, with specialist streams in Intensive Critical Care Nursing, Coronary Care Nursing, High Dependency Nursing, Paediatric Intensive Care Nursing, Emergency Nursing, Orthopaedic Nursing, Perianaesthesia Nursing, Acute Care Nursing, Perioperative Nursing and Neonatal Nursing, is designed to provide the theoretical foundations of nursing science, together with the clinical knowledge and skills associated with the major stream of the course. A significant component of the course is conducted in a health care institution. It focuses on the development of clinical leadership, promotion and integration of evidence-based nursing practice in each of the streams to foster the development of graduates consistent with the profile of the nurse specialist, offering the advanced-level nurse further clinical skills and an opportunity to extend career options. It also provides the foundation for professional doctoral studies.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

A Bachelor of Science (Nursing) or equivalent or a hospital-based diploma and registration as a comprehensive or general nurse in Division One with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Students should also have at least 12 months experience in a specialist area of practice. General and comprehensive nurses registered in Division One with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) without an undergraduate degree will be considered. Students must be concurrently employed in an approved area, working between 18 and 24 hours per week.

Specific Requirements

Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance Section of this publication.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is assessed on individual basis. Consideration will be given to appropriate clinical experiences, industry-based programs, short courses, formal university programs or other forms of continuing education. Processes for recognising prior learning will be consistent with University policy and School of Nursing and Midwifery guidelines.

Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is the equivalent to three semesters' full-time study, but can only be undertaken on a part–time basis, given the requirement for concurrent employment in the relevant specialty area. Most units are available externally. It is recommended students undertake two units of study per semester, in internal or external (online) study modes. This is done to accommodate the employment requirements in the relevant specialty area necessary to achieve specialist clinical competence.

Intermediate Awards 1

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate award(s) approved for this course are:

Intermediate Awards II

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing; Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nursing.

Course Organisation

This course is designed to develop specialist practice with a focus on clinical leadership, promotion and integration of evidence-based nursing. It has specialist streams in critical care nursing (intensive care, coronary care, high dependency, paediatric intensive care) neonatal nursing, emergency nursing, acute care nursing, orthopaedic nursing, perianaesthesia nursing and perioperative nursing is designed to develop specialist practice with a focus on clinical leadership, promotion and integration of evidence-based nursing. The course emphasis is on developing graduates consistent with the profile of the specialist nurse. This program is delivered in conjunction with clinical partners such as Royal Perth Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children and King Edward Memorial Hospital.

Career Opportunities

Many graduates achieve promotional positions in clinical fields such as clinical nurse and clinical nurse specialist. This course also provides the foundation for professional doctoral studies.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

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.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.