Specialist Practitioner (District Nursing), PGDip

Program Overview

The Specialist Practitioner (District Nursing) PGDip at the University of Greenwich is a one-year postgraduate program designed for nurses seeking to specialize in district nursing. It combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience to develop nurses' skills in patient care, leadership, and evidence-based practice within community settings. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and can work in various community-based roles, including District Nurse and Specialist Practitioner in District Nursing.

Program Outline

Specialist Practitioner (District Nursing) PGDip - University of Greenwich

Degree Overview:

This one-year postgraduate diploma is designed for nurses who aspire to become specialist practitioners in district nursing. The program focuses on developing the necessary knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities to excel in this field. It combines the study of health, policy, research, and evidence-based practice to equip students with the tools to deliver high-quality patient care in community settings.

Objectives:

• Develop the required knowledge and skills to deliver patient care in district nursing services.
• Enhance leadership skills and prepare students to lead their own teams.
• Explore and debate policy, theory, and research related to district nursing.
• Foster the ability to apply evidence-based practice in clinical settings.

Outline:

Year 1 (Full-time):

• Compulsory Modules:
• V100: Community Practitioner Nurse Prescriber (10 credits)
• Assessment for Clinical Care (20 credits)
• Clinical Care Management (Level 7) (20 credits)
• Foundations for Professional Practice (Level 7) (20 credits)
• Developing Leadership for Professional Practice (Level 7) (30 credits)
• Enquiry Skills for Research in Health Care Practice (20 credits)

Year 1 (Part-time):

• Compulsory Modules:
• Clinical Care Management (Level 7) (20 credits)
• Foundations for Professional Practice (Level 7) (20 credits)
• Developing Leadership for Professional Practice (Level 7) (30 credits)

Year 2 (Full-time):

• Compulsory Modules:
• V100: Community Practitioner Nurse Prescriber (10 credits)
• Assessment for Clinical Care (20 credits)
• Developing Leadership for Professional Practice (Level 7) (30 credits)
• Enquiry Skills for Research in Health Care Practice (20 credits)

Assessment:

• Presentations
• Written assignments
• Exams
• Practice assessment document

Teaching:

• The course incorporates a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and self-directed activities.
• The program emphasizes a 50:50 balance between theory and practice, with half of the learning time dedicated to practical work placements.
• The teaching team consists of experienced practitioners and lecturers, including academics and practitioners with a wide range of experience.
• All members of the teaching team hold a teaching qualification.

Careers:

• Graduates are eligible to work in a wide range of community-based settings, primarily within the health, social care, and education sectors.
• The program prepares students for roles such as:
• District Nurse
• Community Practitioner Nurse Prescriber
• Specialist Practitioner in District Nursing
• All placements have resulted in employment, with students typically being recruited by the trusts they are seconded/sponsored by.

Other:

• Nursing and Midwifery at Greenwich is ranked number one in London for satisfaction with teaching (Guardian League Tables 2022).
• Graduates of the course can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Specialist Practitioner (District Nursing) and Community Practitioner Nurse Prescriber.
• The program provides on-the-job training in addition to theoretical learning in state-of-the-art laboratories.
• The course team is comprised of experienced practitioners and lecturers with a wide range of expertise.
• The program offers virtual events to provide prospective students with an experience of the University of Greenwich.
• The program is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.