Postgraduate Diploma of Nursing

Version

2

Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements

Students of non-English speaking backgrounds must have an adequate English language capacity assessed under the Australian International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The IELTS score required for admission to this course can be found in Schedule II of the JCU Admissions policy.

Special admission requirements

For flexible delivery option, computer and internet access is required.

Additional course rules

Nil

Learning outcomes

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma of Nursing will:

• Be able to collaborate effectively with other members of the health care team using clear and respectful communication skills within a diverse workforce, including the ability to use clinical leadership skills to direct and lead a team of others.

• Be able to use well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility in the complex care of clients, including an awareness of the influence of policy and budgetary considerations.

• Be able to have advanced knowledge and skills, including those generated by being a discerning consumer of research, to work safely and effectively in a health care institution or the community, often in a specialised role.

• Be able to utilise the practice and processes of reflection for both self-improvement and improvement in the quality of client care delivered in their specific clinical area.

• Be able to analyse and apply advanced knowledge and sound judgement to specific complex problems within the health care system, taking into consideration the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of nursing practice.

• Demonstrate and integrate principles of cultural safety and an understanding of regulation and health policy issues as they relate to the diverse geographic, professional and clinical specialty contexts.

• Be able to deploy relevant technologies, including information literacy and clinical technologies, in the provision of complex patient care and in the maintenance of effective communication in the workplace.

• Be able to safely and competently perform complex technical and/or clinical nursing skills in the delivery of appropriate client care across a broad range of clinical contexts.

• Be able to act as a role model and mentor to other less experienced clinicians and to student practitioners.

Credit points in major

21 credit points

Townsville

Maximum time to complete

4 years

Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)

No - however some optional subjects have mandatory clinical placements.

Accreditation requirements

Students must be Registered Nurses

Supplementary exam for final subject

Not applicable

Maximum allowed

12 credit points (maximum 12 credit points for previous studies; maximum 6 credit points for >10years RN clinical experience).

Expiry

Advanced standing gained for any subject shall be cancelled 14 years after the date of the examination upon which the advanced standing is based if, by then, the candidate has not completed the course.

Inclusion of majors on testamur

Major will appear on the testamur

Course articulation

Candidates who complete this course may be eligible for entry to the Master of Nursing, and may be granted advanced standing to a maximum of 12 credit points for subjects completed under this course.