Professional Nursing Practice BSc (Hons)

This module will offer analysis and evaluation of the issues, complexities, and opportunities associated with contemporary nursing practice. There will be an emphasis on the nurse as a key member of the multidisciplinary team as you consider, debate and apply the theory relating to high quality patient care within a constantly changing healthcare setting. Issues such as risk, patient safety, and decision making with be explored. Theory from international, national, and local literature will be utilised to support you to appreciate a diversity of approaches for healthcare delivery.  

You analyse and evaluate the issues, complexities and opportunities associated with developing personal effectiveness and working with the multidisciplinary team and service users and carers.  There will be an emphasis on the nurse as a key member of the multidisciplinary team as you consider, debate and apply the theory relating to utilising your own effectiveness and leadership skills to enhance high quality patient care within a constantly changing healthcare setting.

You develop an understanding of the concept of evidence-based practice as a framework in which to explore different research methodologies. You gain an outline of the major features of the research process used within health and social care. You develop an understanding of different research methodologies and gain appropriate evaluative tools to assess the quality of research. You also develop skills in areas that will help you prepare for your final year independent project. In addition you develop key skills in critical thinking, academic writing, presentation skills, and information retrieval.

On this final module you will be able to draw on learning from the course to undertake an independent project.  The theme of improving nursing practice will be the basis to the project and you will be supported by an academic supervisor throughout the module. An introductory keynote lecture will be available at the beginning of the module familiarises you with the module requirements. A further lecture provides ongoing support and review of the assessment strategy to respond to any queries you may have. Your learning experience will be supported with material and suggested self-directed activities on the virtual learning environment. Academic supervision will be allocated to you for guidance throughout the learning process. 

You investigates in depth the concepts of health and need and the wider factors that influence health and wellbeing and health inequalities within defined populations. Key concepts used in epidemiology that enable public health practitioners and policy makers to identify trends in health and illness are also introduced and you are facilitated to interpret data and evidence that explains these trends. Key international agencies and their role in improving health and shaping public health policy will be explored, along with comparison of approaches used to promote health within different countries. Careful consideration will be made of cultural influences and differences and how strategies can be applied to different populations, taking into account these influences following professional and ethical principles.