Nursing Studies
(Nursing Studies)

INTRODUCTION

Find out if Nursing is for you! This preparatory course is geared for those who intend to go on to further training for the BSc Degree in Nurse Education either in Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales or abroad. You will be introduced to subjects/topics commonly studied in the first year of the nursing degree programme. Learn about the skills and knowledge of the nursing profession with an emphasis on respect, dignity, empathy and confidentiality. Give yourself the best start for entry to a career in healthcare. There is a fully equipped nursing/HCA room for all of the practical work.

Application assistance is available for UCAS applications for UK 3rd level colleges.

There is an opportunity in Macroom Centre to engage with the new exciting BSc (Hons) in General Nursing and Mental Health nursing degrees. One year in Macroom Centre and then 4 in MTU Kerry.   A fabulous pathway.  Start your career in nursing with Macroom Centre and MTU Kerry. To apply go to https://nto.hea.ie/courses/bsc-hons-in-general-nursing-cork-kerry/ . You can apply for our usual Nursing Studies courses on our own website. Keep your options open and apply to both!

DURATION

September to May.

FEES:

€300 including QQI examination fees (Medical card holders exempt from €50). Extra €250 approx. for kits, vaccinations and certain course materials. See Fees & Payment for details.

Fees status currently being updated for 2024/2025.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Leaving Certificate with five subjects at grade O6/H7, with Ordinary Level Maths (grade O6 preferable).
• Leaving Certificate Biology is considered an advantage.
• Mature students are exempt from Leaving Certificate requirement. CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 courses for those whose first language is not English.
• All applicants are interviewed.
• An offer of a place on this course is contingent on the applicant meeting the requirements set out here and satisfactory presentation at interview. 

Note: Prospective students should be aware that some aspects of this course are physically demanding and should satisfy themselves that they are physically fit enough to undertake.

CERTIFICATION

• QQI Level 5 Certificate in Nursing Studies (5M4349).

COURSE CONTENT

ADDITIONAL TRAINING/WORKSHOPS

• People Moving and Handling Training and certification – This workshop teaches safe and effective techniques used in the safe moving and handling of people in a variety of settings. This training is mandatory for person’s involved in manual handling and people moving and handling tasks. It is required by legislation under The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulation 2007 Part two chapter four. The training involves the theory module which is completed online (HSELanD.ie) and the practical module which is classroom based. The certificate obtained is valid for three years.
• HSE Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk Certificate (requirement for work experience) – Its primary focus is to inform learners on the guiding practice and procedures to keep vulnerable adults safe in the community and residential settings. The content includes learners being informed of their safeguarding responsibilities, the different types of abuse and neglect and how to recognise them and how to report concerns in line with HSE guidelines. All students receive a certificate on completion at the end of the course.
• First Aid Workshop (online) – This First Aid workshop will introduce the learner to the principles of First Aid. The workshop includes identifying the role and responsibilities of the first Aider, understanding the principles of infection control. In addition, learners will describe and demonstrate how to assess a casualty- by conducting an initial check, physical examination, by obtaining a SAMPLE history, assessing levels of Response (AVPU) and identifying problems that are an immediate threat to life. Finally, learners will describe the requirements for a handover to other health care practitioners. A record of achievement from Morrison’s Island Campus is issued on successful completion.
• AMRIC Hand Hygiene (HSELand) – Effective hand Hygiene is the single most effective thing that you can do to protect the people you care for and yourself from healthcare acquired infections. HCAI’s. But knowing is not enough – it’s important to apply what you have learnt and believe that it can be done. By the end of this course, you should know: Why hand hygiene is important:
  – When to practice hand hygiene.
  – How to perform hand hygiene in line with the WHO 5 Moments.
  – How to take care of your hands.
• AMRIC Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (HSELand) – This course on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will enable and empower you to make an assessment on the selection of PPE for a task and to put on and remove PPE correctly. By the end of the course, you will be able to: Identify why you need to wear PPE and where you need to wear it.
  – Recognise the appropriate PPE to wear to protect the body, face and eyes, and hands in different situations.
  – Put on and remove all PPE in acute and non-acute setting.
  – Dispose of used PPE safely.
  – Reflect on your own actions and behaviours in relation to PPE and infection prevention and control.
• AMRIC Infection Prevention and Control (HSELand) – Practical programme which includes specific measures for prevention of infection in all healthcare facilities, how to identify hazards and carry out a well-informed risk assessment. How to control the sources and prevent onward transmission of infection.
  
• Work Safely Induction (Health & Safety Authority)

WORK PLACEMENT / EXPERIENCE

Students will undertake four weeks (min 150 hours) of work placement in a hospital or healthcare setting. Garda vetting is an integral part of the application procedure for this course. The college follows the National Immunisation Advisory Committee’s (NIAC) Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland which states that healthcare students should, as a minimum, receive or have received completed courses of immunisations for

–      Hepatitis B (minimum 2 doses)

–      Influenza

–      Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR 2 doses)

–       Varicella (Chicken Pox)  (1 or in some cases 2 doses).

Some placements may have additional vaccination requirements e.g. Covid 19

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES

Excellent progression opportunities to UCC and other Higher Education colleges. Special arrangements in place with MTU Cork, MTU Kerry and SETU (Waterford & Carlow) for preferential entry for students of Morrison’s Island locations for some courses. Excellent progression opportunities in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

Go to our progressions database for exact requirements on progressions for this course.

Some of our popular progressions opportunities include:

• All Nursing degrees programmes in Ireland.
• Nursing degrees in England (including Kingston University, Southampton University).
• Nursing degrees in Wales (including Swansea University, University of South Wales).
• Nursing degrees in Scotland (including University of Stirling Queen Margaret University Edinburgh).
• MTU Cork: Social Care (MT573).

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Nursing homes, hospitals, private homecare sector, intellectual disability environments.