Nursing - Emergency Nursing - Children

The Graduate Diploma in Emergency Nursing(Children) programme runs in partnership with UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, and Children Health Ireland.



This programme aims to build upon and advance the emergency nurse’s repertoire of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professional values. This programme will build on your existing knowledge and skills in caring for infants, children and young people within the paediatric emergency care settings. This training will enhance advanced knowledge of the nursing staff working in the paediatric emergency settings and enable them to utilise a range of therapeutic interventions and enhance their ability to review differing approaches and trends in the care and treatment of infants, children, young people and their families in paediatric emergency settings.



What Will I Learn?

On successful completion of the programme, you will receive a Graduate Diploma in Paediatric Emergency Nursing from UCD’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems. The programme is recognised nationally and internationally and is a highly regarded qualification. With it, you will be well-positioned to work in a variety of paediatric emergency care settings both nationally and internationally. Many of our graduates are now working in diverse roles such as nurse managers, educators, researchers and advanced practitioners.



The course may be taken over 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. Assessments are varied (assignments/short examination questions/MCQ/case presentation/practical examination/online discussion boards) and occur at intervals throughout and at the end of the trimesters. Students will attend college one day per week and learning experiences are also undertaken in planned block weeks of study, at local hospital sites.



The Graduate Diploma in Emergency Nursing(Children) is either one-year(full-time) or 2 years (part-time), which is designed to meet the professional educational needs of registered nurses caring for children and adolescents within the emergency department setting. It aims to advance your professional awareness, commitment, responsibility, and accountability in paediatric emergency care nursing.



It will build on your existing knowledge and skills in caring for acutely ill or injured children who present to the emergency department



It will provide you with the requisite knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professional values for the advancement of your role in the care of children and their families in emergency care, including critical analysis, creative thinking, decision making, and communication.



NFQ Level: 9 (60 credits)

Level: Graduate Taught

Award: Graduate Diploma

Stage 1 Core Modules

NMHS42740: Child with Specific Needs

NMHS42470: Acutely Ill Child

NMHS43270: Res Methods Appliedt o Healthcare

NMHS42730: Acutely Injured Child

NMHS43140: Developing Leadership Competency

NMHS42480: Clinical Practicum

Entry Requirements

• Registered with NMBI as a Registered General Nurse* or registered Children’s Nurse.

• Have at least 12 month’s experience in emergency nursing care.

• Currently employed in an ED where children also attend.

• Other criteria include previous experience and evidence of ongoing professional development.

• Every application is reviewed on an individual basis – extra clinical placements may be required.

• *If you are an RGN - you must identify a Preceptor/Mentor in your own clinical site who has an RCN qualification/who has completed a Higher/Graduate Diploma in Paediatric Emergency Nursing.



Documents Required

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

• Nurse applicants: A current photocopy of NMBI registration

• Nurse applicants: Completed Clinical Competence Assessor Nomination Form signed by the nominee

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

• Photocopy of Birth Certificate or photocopy of Personal Page of Passport

• Signed Declaration Form by Employer

• Completed Professional Reference Form

• 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.



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.

Delivery: On Campus

X615: 1 year full-time

X752: 2 years part-time

X615: Graduate Diploma Emergency Nursing (Children)

Full-Time: Commencing September 2025



X752: Graduate Diploma Emergency Nursing (Children)

Part-Time: Commencing September 2025



Graduate Taught