Nursing - Children's Cancer Nursing

The programme will enhance your existing knowledge and skills in caring for children with cancer.



The programme aims to develop the practitioner’s capacities for caring and competent practice in Children’s Cancer Nursing in order to prepare the nurse to provide patient-centred care within the health service.



How will I benefit?

On successful completion of the programme, you will receive a Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Children’s Cancer Nursing). This is a highly regarded qualification for nurses caring for children with cancer in Ireland.



Possessing a broad and deep understanding of the theory and skills required for caring for children with cancer, you will be well positioned to work in a variety of settings specialising in this area both nationally and internationally. As the programme is particularly aimed at preparing nurses to assume the role of clinical nurse specialist, many nurses eventually take up CNS positions and some may undertake further study required for the role of ANP in children’s cancer nursing. Many nurses also proceed to assume CNM/Educational/Clinical Facilitator roles.

This is a one (academic) year programme, broken down into two semesters.



Stage 1 - Core

Fundamentals of Cancer CareNMHS42560

Clinical PracticumNMHS42590

Children's Cancer NursingNMHS42870

The Psychological Impact of Chronic IllnessNMHS42880

Applicants must hold a primary degree in Nursing (or equivalent in related discipline)



Applicants must be entered onto the appropriate division of the Nurses Register maintained by An Bord Altranais (be registered as an RCN)



Applicants must hold a Graduate Diploma in another specialist area of nursing or have obtained 30 ECT (credits) at Level 9 (Masters Level in both research and theoretical aspects of nursing)



Other criteria to be used in the assessment of the application include number of years of experience, and evidence of ongoing professional development



Applicants must have at least one year’s experience in Children’s Cancer Nursing at time of attendance



Applicants for the Adult and Children’s Cancer Nursing strands will be required to demonstrate competency in the administration of systemic anti-cancer treatments and will therefore normally be based on oncology/haematology wards and/or oncology/haematology day wards (preferably rotating across both settings) prior to and for the duration of the programme. Applicants for the Adult and Children’s Cancer Nursing strands who are caring for patients with cancer but who are not based in the aforementioned settings will require a letter of support from their Assistant Director of Nursing undertaking to facilitate a placement in oncology/haematology for at least 6 weeks over the course of the programme.



Documents Required



Transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) & notarised English translations where relevant

Applicants: A current photocopy of An Bord Altranais registration

Other health care professionals: A current photocopy of registration with professional registration body

Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport

Signed Declaration Form from Employer (original form)

Completed Professional Reference Form (original form)

Applicants: Completed Clinical Competence Assessor Nomination Form signed by the nominee

Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL may be granted in respect of individual modules if applicants can demonstrate that the modules' learning outcomes have been achieved through prior credentialled or experiential learning. In some cases, where an applicant does not meet the prerequisites for entry to a programme, an RPL application may be considered.

The following entry routes are available:



Grad Cert Children's Cancer Nursing PT (X683)

Duration 1 Years

Attend Part Time

Deadline Rolling*



* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

1 year part-time.

MODE OF DELIVERY: Blended

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September

Careers & Employability

Possessing a broad and deep understanding of the theory and skills required for caring for children with cancer, you will be well positioned to work in a variety of settings specialising in this area both nationally and internationally. As the programme is particularly aimed at preparing nurses to assume the role of clinical nurse specialist, many nurses eventually take up CNS positions and some may undertake further study required for the role of ANP in children’s cancer nursing. Many nurses also proceed to assume CNM/Educational/Clinical Facilitator roles.