Orthopaedic Nursing

PgDip
Nursing and midwifery

Course details

The Postgraduate Diploma in Orthopaedic Nursing will prepare you to exercise an advanced level of clinical judgment and practice – beyond what is required of a registered general nurse (RGN) – in your specialist area of orthopaedic practice.

The programme aims to assist you in taking a leading role in advancing and developing nursing and midwifery in this area, and effecting policy change in professional practice and health service provision. This programme is also suitable for nurses who are taking up new posts in orthopaedic trauma or for those who have been working in the area for some time but have not completed postgraduate education. It will offer you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge, experience and clinical expertise in the challenging and dynamic environment that is orthopaedic nursing.

The programme is delivered part-time over the course of one academic year, with an option to complete the programme over a period of up to three years if necessary.

The programme is offered in two streams: elective orthopaedic care (in partnership with the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh) and orthopaedic trauma, which is open to participants working in any orthopaedic trauma unit. Students in the trauma stream will undertake their studies through a combination of online lectures and classes in the RCSI Dublin Campus.  

Course codes

  • RCSI/Cappagh: C10701CAPPAGH 
  • RCSI only: C10701TRAUMA

A blended learning approach is utilised in this programme, to promote lifelong learning and professional development for all nursing staff. 

Cappagh modules

Module name Credits Assessment method
Advanced Research Methods 10 Assignment
Advanced Leadership – Clinical & Professional 10 Assignment
Professional Critical Reflexivity and Competence 10 Assignment and clinical portfolio
Principles of Orthopaedic Nursing 10 Examination and assignment
Nursing the patient undergoing management of musculoskeletal issues by elective and conservative means 10 Case study and oral presentation
Nursing the Orthopaedic Trauma Patient 10 Examination

RCSI Dublin Campus modules

Module name Credits Assessment method
Advanced Research Methods 10 Assignment
Advanced Leadership – Clinical & Professional 10 Assignment
Professional Critical Reflexivity and Competence 10 Assignment and clinical portfolio
Principles of Orthopaedic Trauma Nursing 10 Assignment
Core Concepts of Trauma Care 10 Assignment
Consolidating and Advancing practice in Trauma Care Nursing 10 Assignment

This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to: 

  • Explore problem-solving skills in the area of planned orthopaedic nursing. 
  • Prepare a comprehensive care plan using advanced problem solving skills for a patient undergoing elective interventions for orthopaedic problems. 
  • Critically discuss the principles associated with the management of common orthopaedic traumatic injuries. 
  • Explore problem-solving skills in the area of orthopaedic trauma nursing. 
  • Consolidate knowledge in relation to the development of bone, its composition, development of muscle, fracture healing, the terminology used in musculoskeletal assessment, musculoskeletal anatomy and the implications for patients of specific investigations performed to evaluate a musculoskeletal condition or injury. 
  • Examine the role of the nurse with reference to planning care for patients with physical/intellectual disabilities, for patients of different ages and to recognise the psychological and sociological effects of orthopaedic conditions. 

If you wish to progress your studies after completing this Postgraduate Diploma, you can choose to complete a Master of Science (MSc). MSc programmes share anchor modules facilitating the development of knowledge and skills in research, leadership and refection and clinical competencies by way of a clinical practicum.

We are proud to be a recognised University of the National University of Ireland (NUI). All RCSI programmes are accredited by the NUI. This programme is also professionally accredited by the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland as a Category 2 Post Registration course.

Recognition by ministries and bodies in other jurisdictions must be determined by the individual applicants.