Nursing - Complex Care for Children

Children who have complex care needs require the very highest standard care, provided by specialist professionals. With advances in medicine and technology it is anticipated that the need for complex care services for children will continue to increase in the coming years. This programme is designed to support and develop the knowledge and skill base of professionals working with these children and their families.



The programme aims to provide students with the necessary in-depth evidence based knowledge, skills and competencies to provide quality care to highly dependent clients as they live with life-limiting illness and face end-of-life.



What Will I Learn?

This is a one trimester programme, running from January to May. Assessments include completion of an E-tivity and an Assignment, as well as participation in an online Discussion Board throughout the trimester.

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the organisation of health services for children with complex care needs and their families in the national and international context.

• Critically evaluate the key constituents of a successful transition to home for the child with complex care needs and their families.

• Critically discuss the impact of medical interventions and technology on the psychosocial well-being of children and their families

• Critically evaluate standards of care and outcome measurements for children with complex care needs.

• Demonstrate the principles of child and family centred care in practice, engaging with the wider multidisciplinary team.



NFQ Level: 9 (10 credits)

Level: Graduate Taught

Award: Professional Certificate

Stage 1 Core Modules

NMHS43470: Spec Unders Complex Care Child

Entry Requirements

• Have an honours Bachelor’s degree at NFQ Level 8 in nursing or a comparable qualification. Applicants who do not hold an honours degree or Higher Diploma (Level 8) must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (in the previous two years) a module at Level 9;

• Have a minimum of one year’s post-registration experience (exclusive of post-registration courses);

• Be currently working in the required specialist area, i.e., an area associated with palliative care/children’s care/children’s palliative care or allied areas (neonatal, disability, oncology) and have as a minimum six months’ clinical experience in this specialist area;

• Complete additional clinical hours in a children’s complex care setting. Placement length depends on the learning opportunities available to students in their current work setting;

• Provide written support from their employer that they will be able to access this client group across the programme;

• Satisfy the selection panel of their ability to complete the programme.



Documents Required

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

• Nurse applicants: NMBI PIN

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

• Degree Transcript

• Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport

• Signed Declaration Form from Employer (original form) - This can also be signed by a Service Director

• Completed Professional Reference Form (original form)

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



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme.



Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax) for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

4 months part-time

Delivery: Blended

X883: Professional Certificate Complex Care for Children

Professional Certificate



Part-Time

Commencing January 2025

Graduate Taught