Master of Science [M.S] [Nursing (Palliative Care)] From University of Limerick

Successful completion of year 1 (Graduate Diploma) will provide students with the academic qualifications necessary to be considered for Clinical Nurse Specialist posts. Successful completion of year 2 (MSc) will provide students with the academic qualifications to be considered for Advanced Nursing Practice posts.

The programme provides opportunities to explore research as evidence for enhancing and changing practice. The programme also provides opportunities for nurses to develop critical thinking and reflective skills at specialist and advanced practice levels.

The programme will develop professional qualities and a high level of competence in the promotion of excellence and current best practice in the delivery and appraisal of advancing practice.

On completion of the programme the student will:

• Critically examine best practice in meeting the palliative care needs of patients and their families.
• Critically evaluate philosophical concepts and the evidence underpinning palliative care.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of therapeutic interventions used in a palliative care context in disease and symptom management.
• Apply critical thinking skills and ethical decision making required for advancing practice.
• Demonstrate proficiency in written, verbal, and digital communication skills at individual and collaborative levels.
• Critically examine the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in the provision of quality evidenced based palliative care.
• Critically review current innovations and developments in leading and managing change in practice.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the research process.
• Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning while fostering self-development and self-evaluation.
• Demonstrate responsibility for personal and professional development in advancing palliative care.
• Apply critical thinking and reflective skills in promoting and advancing palliative care practice.
• Appreciate the contribution of research in informing and advancing practice within a palliative care setting.

Graduate Profile

The programme focuses on the care and support of patients with palliative needs and their families. Critical inquiry will be encouraged into all aspects of palliative care with due regard for the context of practice and the changing needs of palliative care patients and their families.

In addition to core modules supporting the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, students will explore how a philosophy of palliative care can underpin their practice in areas such as disease and symptom management, communication, grief and loss, spirituality, sexuality. Successful completion of the first year of the programme will provide students with the academic qualifications required to be considered eligible for clinical nurse specialist posts.

The MSc award will provide students with the academic qualifications required to be considered eligible for advanced nursing practice posts.