NS5057 Surgical Skills for Healthcare Practitioners

Module Summary

This is a level 9 (Masters Level) 10 ECTS credit module, NMBI approved (Special Purpose Award). It can be taken on a stand-alone basis or as part of the Graduate Certificate in Dermatology programme*. Delivered using a blended learning approach, theoretical and clinical skills content facilitated by expert clinicians are further supported through clinical supervision in the learner’s work environment. Competency based assessments underpin the development of skills proficiency. Attendance for this module is required for 4 individual days spread over a 12-week semester on Tuesdays starting Jan 31st 2023 and continuing on Feb 28th, Mar 28th and Apr 25th. 100% attendance will be required on DCU contact days. In addition, engagement with online learning
activities will be required throughout the course of the module. Candidates will need good internet connection.

Who Should Attend?

Nurses/Midwives that are likely to encounter the need to undertake minor surgical procedures in their work environment. This includes practitioners working in varied roles /clinical settings within healthcare organisations and who encounter situations where a clear need may emerge to develop and expand their existing practice (within their scope of professional practice as determined by an appropriate regulatory body). Candidates will be required to furnish a completed ‘Engagement Agreement for Clinical Supervision Process’ from their employing
authority/line manager or Intern coordinator (where relevant) prior to module commencement.

Topics to include

Patient assessment/treatment options
Lesion identification/management
Local anaesthesia administration –risks and management
Wound/Sharp debridement
Suturing - materials/techniques/wound closure
Punch biopsies & curettage
Ellipse marking/excision
Deep dermal suturing & wound closure
Abscesses/cyst/in-grown toenail management
Cryosurgery
Discharge advice/aftercare
Clinical Governance/Medico-legal aspects
Protocol development/audit

Benefits to Practitioners

This module aims to equip candidates with the requisite knowledge, skills, attributes and
capabilities to meet the needs of patients who may require minor surgical skills intervention. It
supports existing and expanding professional roles in practice providing an opportunity for
accredited learning to assist in formal career advancement structures and requirements (where
applicable) may include expansion of existing practice.

Module Assessment

The module is assessed by completion of a portfolio of evidence comprising: Competency
assessment of skills, Critique of best evidence to inform guideline/protocol development and
Reflective practice.

Cost

The cost is €850 for a standalone module.

Deadline for Applications

Completed applications including your CV, signed ‘Engagement Agreement for Clinical
Supervision Process’ from your employing authority/line manager/ Intern coordinator, one
passport size photo (jpg/png format),Identification and a copy of your certificate of professional
registration should be submitted to science@dcu.ie by: 5pm, Friday 4th November 2022.

For an application form please email: science@dcu.ie

For further information on the module please contact Therese Leufer, email: therese.leufer@dcu.ie or
Mr Joseph Bonham (RANP), email: josephbonham@beaumont.ie