Introduction and Background to the Course

The Foundations in Paediatric Intensive Care Nursing course is organised by the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and is accredited by the University of Central England (UCE) Faculty of Health and Community Care (FHCC).

The course comprises of 3 modules. Module 1 and 2 are offered at Diploma level (level 5, previously level 2), whilst module 3 will be offered at Diploma or Degree level (5 or 6, previously known as level 2 or 3)

Course Title and Duration

	Title: Foundations in Paediatric Intensive Care Nursing.
	Duration: 9 months.
	Three modules: Module1 and Module 2 at level 5, Module 3 at level 5 or 6.

Number of students per cours

	2 to 4 intakes per year
	Minimum of 5 and a maximum of 12 students per course

Location of the Course

The organisation and administration of the course will be from:

The Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS Trust, Diana, Princess of Wales, Children’s Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH

Course Co-ordinator

Janet Murphy, Clinical Development Sister.

Entry Requirements and Admission

To access the course students must:

	Be registered as a first level nurse on part 1, 8, 12, or 15 of the NMC Register.
	Be newly qualified or an experienced nurse from paediatric or adult backgrounds.
	Posses 120 credit points at level 5 in order to access the third module at level 6.

Recruitment for the course will be undertaken in line with the established Equal Opportunities Policy.

Rationale for the Course

The need for a course of this type was first identified in 1988 and was based upon a desire and need to:

	Ensure appropriately trained nurses
	Attract nurses into the setting who previously had no intensive care or paediatric nursing experience
	Allow for beds to be opened by having sufficient nursing staff.

There have been several reports that have highlighted the need for appropriately trained nurses within the paediatric intensive care environment (A Bridge to the Future 1997, BPA Report 1993)

A Bridge to the Future (1997), recommended that nursing standards be adequately resourced within Paediatric Intensive Care (PIC) and that nurse education takes into account that core training is a requirement for Children’s nurses to become proficient PICU nurses. In support of this view the report “A Framework for the Future”(1997) states that:

“The most important element, by far, is the skill and experience of the medical and nursing staff who will be caring for the critically ill child. They need both skills and knowledge in managing children and in provision of intensive care.” (Page 31)

Course Philosophy

The course will provide a structured teaching programme to develop a sound knowledge base whereby theory and practice will be linked. Learning is facilitated through education and clinical practice. Using the ‘Life’ philosophy of the Unit, the student will be able to assess, plan and evaluate programmes of care to ensure optimum quality for the patient and their family.

Students are perceived as individuals, bringing with them different values, experiences and abilities. These will be recognised and respected. The course teachers will use a variety of teaching methods to enable the development of critical, analytical thinking and skilled practice, built on a sound foundation of nursing knowledge.

The Paediatric Intensive Care setting is a technical environment, which requires nurses with highly specialised skills. It is anticipated that this course will produce a practitioner who will be able to care for the critically ill child and its family in a safe and appropriate manner ensuring standards are maintained without subjecting the student to undue stress. Mentorship, including a minimum supernumerary period of eight weeks is also a requirement for the student undertaking this course.

The successful completion of this course is seen as a stepping-stone for students to be able to progress their career both clinically and academically.

Teaching and Learning

The majority of the theoretical input is delivered within the first 12 weeks of the course. Clinical experts, both nurses and other members of the multi disciplinary team will deliver teaching sessions within the classroom setting.

An invaluable part of student learning takes place in the practical setting whilst working on the PICU. This learning is facilitated by the provision of mentorship. Each student has 2 allocated mentors who will work with the student throughout their supernumerary period. This should be for a minimum of 2 shifts a week whilst the student is supernumerary with further support offered during the full 9 months. Members of the course teaching team will also work with the students during this time. This support system facilitates students in applying theory into clinical practice, meeting the learning outcomes of the course and completion of clinical competencies.

Clinical competencies have been developed in order to direct learning and ensure that assessment of practical skills and the application of theory into practice can be achieved. These clinical competencies must be completed and verified within twelve months from the start date of the course In order to successfully complete the course.

Organisation and Structure

The course will comprise of three modules:

Module One: Intensive Care Nursing of Children requiring Respiratory/Haemodynamic support. (level five)

Module Two: Intensive Care Nursing of children with diverse needs (level five)

Module Three : Intensive Care Nursing of children with complex needs (level five or level six)

Each of the modules consists of a theoretical component and clinical practise. Assessment for each module includes the completion of clinical competencies together with the submission of an assignment as set out in the individual modules.

Students who fulfil the entry criteria for the degree module will be given the opportunity to undertake the third module at degree level following a consultation with the Clinical Development Team. .

Having completed the course the nurse is able to care for the critically ill child. This experience also enables them, if appropriate, to apply for Registered Sick Children Training. Completion of the course allows them to APL out of the seriously ill module of this course.