IM0724 - Nursing Knowledge and Safe Practice

You will be taught using seminars, lectures, workshops, practical simulation sessions and independent learning. Lectures will introduce core theories and concepts, and the seminars will encourage more critical discussion regarding these topic areas. To facilitate this discourse, the module uses Enquiry Based Learning (EBL) and utilises practice based scenarios, thereby bridging theory to practice. Action learning sets will also be used to support the learning philosophy of the Masters programme. Workshops are interactive and help you to problem solve and consolidate understanding of the theoretical concepts introduced in seminars and lectures. Practical simulation sessions within the Clinical Skills Centre use a high fidelity approach, within simulated ward settings with fully equipped mannequins and clinical equipment, in order to offer you an authentic learning environment which replicates clinical practice settings.

During this module you will benefit from engagement in peer learning which will develop critical thinking, group discussion and presentation skills. With regards to independent learning, the eLP (electronic Learning Platform/ Blackboard) will be utilised to enable you to access all supportive learning materials used within the module, including access to an electronic reading list which recommends some profession specific literature.

A variety of approaches to suit different learning styles will be used to complement the innovative content and delivery of learning sessions. Electronic teaching and learning materials will be provided and updated within the module and programme sites on your individual electronic Learning Portal (eLP). This includes information provided within the module handbook, access to assessment information, PowerPoint presentations used in class, references and relevant web links, as well as any additional materials which might be useful for your learning.

The University Library offers an extensive collection of material, both hard copy and electronic, access to international databases and training in information retrieval, in addition to offering access to study space and IT equipment. A variety of study skills resources, such as help sheets and online videos, can be found on the library website, on topics such as writing assignments, time management, and taking notes.

The University Student Advice and Support services offer information, guidance and support (for example reviewing study strategies, and mentoring) for students with disabilities and dyslexia. If appropriate, you will also have access to English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP) programmes during the Masters programme to help you develop your English language and academic writing skills, such as reference citation and paraphrasing skills. You will be allocated a GT (Guidance Tutor) for ongoing support throughout the programme and will have regular contact with them, including attending one to one tutorials with you; and with your peers in small group supportive seminars. Peer support will be encouraged and facilitated for you to share and enhance your learning. All students are entitled to an assignment tutorial with their marker prior to assessment submission. You will also receive constructive feedback on your progress at various points throughout the module, including verbal feedback during group discussions and presentations, and written assignment feedback following submission of the formative and summative assignment.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Demonstrate independent critical thinking and critical reflection by analysing a contemporary aspect of professional nursing practice in relation to existing principles, professional and theoretical knowledge.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Critically appraise pertinent literature, including research, and synthesise evidence to inform future professional nursing practice.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA)
3. Evaluate inter-cultural understanding of professional nursing practice, from national and international perspectives, relating to underpinning theories, concepts, ethical issues and policies.

4. Engage in collaborative learning with health professional peers, and present and justify work to enhance collaborative working skills, knowledge and understanding.

Formative assessment (MLO 4):
You have the option of submitting 500 words of your summative assignment to ensure that you can explore and critically analyse the contemporary practice issue that you have selected. You will then receive written feedback from the marker, which will give you chance to reflect on the formative comments and therefore inform your final submission. During a seminar within the module you will be asked, as part of your class, to individually discuss and present your initial ideas for your summative assessment paper to your peers and academic staff. The purpose of this is to develop your thinking and refine your work prior to the summative assignment submission. Feedback will be provided verbally from peers and the lecturer.

Summative Assessment (MLO 1- 3):
You will produce a 4,000 word written assignment within which you will explore, critically analyse and reflect on a contemporary practice issue which you have chosen.

The following areas should be addressed:
• The background and a rationale for the topic selection should be given.
• The current evidence base on your chosen topic should be explored and any gaps in the literature should be identified.
• From the gaps identified previously, you need to consider the work needed to move practice forward.

Assessment feedback will be given using written comments and with a summative grade marked out of 100%.

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Module IM0724, Nursing Knowledge and Safe Practice, is a research-rich evidence based module which aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of the nature of contemporary nursing within healthcare practice. The module focuses on the challenges facing all healthcare systems across the world in terms of long term conditions, patient safety and adverse events. The nature of healthcare encourages clinical practitioners to adopt a broad approach to care, encompassing professional issues within the context of legal and ethical aspects of healthcare practice. Therefore the concepts of quality, benchmarking, patient safety and service improvement as they apply to nursing practice are explored.

A wide variety of teaching strategies are utilised. The module uses state-of-the-art facilities, adopting a technology enhanced learning approach to teaching simulation using high fidelity mannequins within the clinical skills simulation centre, as well as more traditional approaches to learning.