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General Nursing – BSc (Hons)

  • CAO Points: 378

  • Campus: Athlone

  • years: 4


Course Overview

This course involves the study of theoretical and practice based modules. It involves classroom teaching and taught placements in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings. This honours degree programme takes advantage of the various areas of expertise available at the three regional hospitals in the Health Service Executive Midlands area in Tullamore, Portlaoise and Mullingar, throughout the Midlands (Laois/Offaly and Longford/Westmeath) and with private healthcare facilities nationally.

Students will undergo a total of 2,925 hours clinical study and 1,740 hours theoretical study across the four year programme. Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in General Nursing from TUS and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland as a Registered General Nurse (RGN) allows you to work as a general nurse nationally and internationally.

Additional Information
TUS uses the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) to assess the suitability of applicants to this programme. This is due to the considerable amount of placements undertaken with children and vulnerable groups in society. Therefore, offers to this programme are conditional and could subsequently be withdrawn if applicants do not meet the Garda vetting requirements.
Vaccinations for all Nursing and Healthcare students: Please note that
(1) As health care students, vaccinations may be advocated not only in the interest of the individual student, but also as a protection to health service users and workers, some of whom may have medical vulnerabilities. Getting vaccinated helps to protect people around students, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from certain viruses.

(2) Access to educational opportunities in some health care settings may not be granted to health care students if they are not and will not agree to vaccination that is not otherwise contraindicated. In many instances it may not be possible for the Higher Educational Institutions to provide alternative training/educational opportunities to replace this access. As placements are a critical component of nursing programmes and are regulated Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland requirements, this in turn may delay progression through and potential completion of a nursing educational programme at TUS.

Full details of the HSEs COVID19 vaccination programme can be found at: COVID-19 vaccines – HSE.ie

Professional Recognition:

Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Nursing in General Nursing from TUS and registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland. The award of a Registered General Nurse (RGN) is nationally and internationally recognised.

Contact Details

Dr. Laura Dempsey

Email: Laura.Dempsey@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

There are four modes of entry onto the BSc (Hons) in General Nursing programme.

Leaving Certificate

The target market for this programme will primarily be students with the appropriate leaving certificate qualifications. The minimum entry requirements for leaving cert applications are minimum of Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects, plus Grade O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate. These subjects must include Mathematics, a laboratory science subject and a language (English or Irish).

QQI

Places are available for applicants with a QQI-FET Level 5 award in Nursing Studies, Community and Health Services, Healthcare Support, or Health Service Skills. A minimum of Distinction (80% or greater) in five modules must be achieved and must include three of the following modules: Anatomy and Physiology, Nurse Theory and Practice, and either Human Growth and Development or Biology.

Mature Applicants

The Department welcomes applications from mature students. Such applications may not be required to have the minimum entry requirements. However, they will be required to undertake a written assessment. Further information may be obtained online at www.nursingboard.ie.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Microbiology

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to provide the student with knowledge and appreciation of the structure and function of the human body across the lifespan which includes the principles of anatomy, physiology and microbiology as applied to nursing practice.

  • Principles & Practice of General Nursing Care

    Credits: 5

    This module prepares students to apply the principles of nursing knowledge and skill delivery of patient centred care safely, professionally and compassionately across diverse clinical settings.

  • Evidence Based Practice for Health Care

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the evidence base underpinning the delivery of clinically effective nursing practice and care.

  • Psychology & Communication

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the student to the key theories and principles of psychology and communication in nursing.

  • Preparation for Practice

    Credits: 5

    This aim of this module is to provide the student with knowledge and appreciation of the virtues of caring, compassion, integrity, honesty, respect and empathy as a basis for upholding the professional values of nursing and identity of a nurse.

  • Clinical Placement I (General Nursing)

    Credits: 5

    The aim of Clinical Placement I is to provide the student with exposure to the clinical practice area and to introduce them to build the knowledge and fundamental skills necessary for the provision of holistic care to patients in the general nursing setting.

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology

    Credits: 5

    This module provides students with knowledge and appreciation of the structure and function of the human body across the lifespan which includes the principles of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology as applied to nursing practice.

  • Professional, Legal & Ethical Issues in General Nursing

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the student to professional, legal and ethical dilemmas associated with nursing, encompassing the virtues of caring, compassion, integrity, honesty, respect and empathy, upholding the professional values and recognising the correct approach to solving ethical problems.

  • Care of the Surgical Patient

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to prepare the student with the knowledge and understanding of the principles of delivering safe, effective and holistic nursing care to patients in a variety of surgical settings.

  • Primary Health, Maternity, Child & Community Nursing

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to prepare the student to participate in caring for clients in community, home, hospital at home and primary health care settings.

  • Sociology & Health

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the student to current and relevant sociological and health knowledge. The student will acquire an understanding of social, spiritual, cultural and environmental factors in health and wellbeing.

  • Clinical Placement II (General Nursing)

    Credits: 5

    The aim of Clinical Placement II is to enable the student to participate under close supervision of a competent practitioner, carrying out aspects of holistic care to patients in a variety of health care settings.

  • Holistic Care for Patients with Cardiac & Respiratory Disorders

    Credits: 10

    The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding which will allow them to participate in the delivery of safe and effective holistic nursing care to patients with a cardiovascular and / or respiratory disorder.

  • Introduction to Mental Health & Illness

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the general nursing students to concepts of mental health and illness and interventions in mental health nursing.

  • Health Studies

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to explore models and approaches to health promotion. The student will have a knowledge and appreciation of measuring health and identifying the health care needs of the individual, groups and the public in line with national and international policy.

  • Care of the Older Person

    Credits: 5

    The development of specialised knowledge, skills and understanding of the older person including mental health and healthy ageing within institutional and community settings in order to meet the changing demographic demands of an ageing population are the aims of this module.

  • Clinical Placement III (General Nursing)

    Credits: 5

    The aim of Clinical Placement III is to facilitate the student to demonstrate the ability to participate in the delivery of care, under supervision, on a more sustained basis with less prompting and with greater confidence and ability.

  • Holistic Care for Patients with Nutritional & Gastrointestinal Disorders

    Credits: 10

    This module provides students with the knowledge, understanding and skills which will enable them to participate in the assessment and delivery of holistic nursing care to patients with nutritional and gastrointestinal disorders.

  • Chronic Illness

    Credits: 5

    This module affords students with an appreciation of the broad issues pertaining to the principles of patient empowerment, patient education, health promotion, wellbeing and comfort of persons whose lives are affected by ill health, distress, disability or life limiting conditions.

  • Sexual Health in Nursing

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the principles in delivering a person centred plan of care based on a partnership with the person and their primary carer in the area of sexual health.

  • Emergency & Critical Care Nursing

    Credits: 5

    This module provides students with knowledge and understanding of the principles required to care for a patient in the emergency and critical care environments.

  • Clinical Placement IV (General Nursing)

    Credits: 5

    Clinical placement IV facilitates students to demonstrate the ability to participate in the delivery of care under supervision, on a more sustained basis with less prompting and with greater confidence and ability.

  • Oncology & Haematology

    Credits: 10

    This module provides the student with the knowledge and understanding of the principles of delivering safe person centred care to clients with an oncology/haematology disease or disorder.

  • Research Appreciation

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to develop students’ knowledge of the application of the research process to enhance the evidence base of nursing practice and health care.

  • Holistic Care for Patients with Renal, Endocrine & Hepatobiliary Disorders

    Credits: 10

    This module provides knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to deliver safe and effective nursing care to patients with endocrine, renal, hepatic and biliary disorders.

  • Clinical Placement V (General Nursing)

    Credits: 5

    Clinical Placement V enables the student to identify with the registered nurse in the provision of care to patients throughout the lifespan so that they continue to develop confidence and competence in the practice of nursing.

  • Sociology & Psychology applied to General Nursing

    Credits: 5

    The sociological dynamics of caring in contemporary society is one of the focuses of this module. In addition, students will explore psychological theories looking at issues such as the impact of other peoples and situational factors on a person’s behaviours and choices and other relevant theories in relation to health.

  • Challenging Legal & Ethical Issues in General Nursing

    Credits: 5

    This module provides students with the knowledge and appreciation of key ethical principles and the legal issues related to professional accountability in nursing practice.

  • Care of Patients with Neurological, Special Senses & Musculoskeletal Disorders

    Credits: 10

    This module provides the skills and knowledge necessary to provide patient centred care to patients and their families with neurological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders and disorders of the special senses.

  • Nursing Healthcare Informatics

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to enhance nursing students’ understanding of the role of digital health in health care delivery.

  • Coping Strategies for Confinement

    Credits: 5

    This module facilitates students to conceptualise and deliver coping strategies for persons who are institutionally or otherwise confined as a result of prison, forensic mental health care, caring for others, illness or old age.

  • Social & Community Engagement

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to foster and nurture an ethos of civic community engagement (social, economic and cultural) in the student as an endeavour to build a more equal society.

  • Clinical Placement VI

    Credits: 5

    This module enables the student to internalise their role as a nurse caring for patients throughout the lifespan so that they continue to develop confidence and competence in the practice of nursing under the supervision of a registered nurse.

  • Health & Social Policy

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to explore advanced concepts related to health promotion and social policy.

  • Implementing Evidence in General Nursing Practice

    Credits: 10

    The aim of this module is to enable students to apply evidence based research in meeting the care needs of patients, their family and to develop situational awareness to respond to the dynamic interactions in the health care environment.

  • Leadership, Nursing Education & Professional Issues in General Nursing

    Credits: 5

    This module explores the key concepts in relation to patient safety, quality, leadership and learning in the clinical learning environment.

  • Preparation for Internship (General Nursing)

    Credits: 5

    This module provides students with the essential skills and competencies to undertake rostered placement as an internship student in Semester VIII.

  • Clinical Placement VII (General Nursing)

    Credits: 5

    The aim of Clinical Placement VII is to enable the student to internalise their role as a nurse, caring for patients throughout the lifespan so that they continue to develop confidence and competence in the practice of nursing under the supervision of a registered nurse.

  • Clinical Placement Internship (General Nursing)

    Credits: 30

    The aim of this module is to facilitate the student to become a safe, caring, competent decision maker, willing to take personal and professional accountability for evidence based nursing care.

What can you do after this programme?

You may apply for positions at staff nurse grade within the Irish health care sector and you are also eligible to apply for registration as nurses throughout the EU and further afield.

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.

Student Testimonial

“I chose nursing as it was always the career for me, encompassing both my interest in the sciences and the art of caring for others. TUS offered this opportunity to me through both lectures on campus and placements throughout the Midlands hospital groups. It really gave an accurate insight into this career and prepares you for your journey ahead as a nurse.” (Abby Mullaly)

Additional Information

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