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Faculty of Science & Health

Surgical Skills for Healthcare Practitioners | NS5057

This is a level 9 (Masters Level) 10 ECTS credit module. 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 starting early February 2022 (module dates will be available in August 2021). 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. This form accompanies the module application form.

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 of module

The cost on a stand-alone basis is €850. Candidates applying for the Graduate Certificate in Dermatology (DC741) please refer to all course information available at: https://www.dcu.ie/courses/DC741

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: 5.00 pm, Friday 12th November 2021.

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

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