Pediatric Nursing, Continuing Education

Study programme code BSPL90

ECTS credits 90

Admission requirements The applicant must be an authorized nurse and have a minimum of two years of clinical work experience. Relevant work experience and other education are also important.

General description and profile of the programme The objective of the programme is to educate highly qualified paediatric care nurses, who can give specialist care to patients and assist their relatives in an advanced technological environment. The programme is based on "Rammeplan for Videreutdanning i intensivsykepleie, KUF, 2005" (the national curriculum for continuous education in intensive care nursing). A more detailed plan of this study programme will be handed out in the beginning of the semester. Contents The main subjects in Paediatric Care Education Programme: Advanced nursing skills and topics within social science Topics within medical and natural sciences Paediatric Care nursing - theory and practice Throughout the course theory and practice will alternate. Fifty per cent of the study programme is clinical studies. The three main subjects (also mentioned in the national curriculum) will be part of both the clinical and theoretical studies.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes After having completed the programme the student will be able to carry out Paediatric care nursing in accordance with the health legislation concerning practice, professional knowledge and the values of the profession. Furthermore the specialist nurse will be able to apply relevant research and contribute actively in developing the profession.

Teaching methods Various work methods will be used including lectures, problem based learning (PBL), role play, demonstrations of practice, seminars, group work, practical studies (including training of skill and quantity training), supervision and evaluation, tutorials, written and oral reflection and self-study. The clinical studies are compulsory. Attendance in tutorials, containing students, student contact and qualified supervisor, is compulsory and is counted as part of the clinical studies. Requirements for compulsory attendance and specific examination requirements are described in the course descriptions. Language of instruction: Norwegian

Assessment methods The students will be assessed as follows: with graded portfolio assessment and a graded written individual exam. The clinical studies will be evaluated mid-term and at the end of term. These studies will be assessed as pass or fail. The dissertation may be written in groups or individually and it will be graded.

Requirements for continuing in the study programme Clinical Studies 1st Year ( SYP412), along with Paediatric Care Nursing - Theory and Practice SY-403) and Topics within Medical and Natural Sciences SY-404) must be passed before Clinical Studies 2nd year ( SYP413) can be assessed and Specialist project in Paediatric Care Nursing SY-413) may be handed in. For more details please see course description.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies Paediatric nurses will be qualified for work in the neonatal wards at hospital, paediatric wards and intensive care wards, policlinics and adult wards with a number of beds for children. Habilitation wards, Municipal health services and psychiatry services for children and adolescents are also relevant. This continuing education qualifies for master studies at universities and university colleges.