Overview

The application deadline for the next intake is: 15 December 2023

This 30-credit, level 7 module provides children's nurses with the knowledge and skills to undertake enhanced clinical assessments of babies, children and young people to help reduce avoidable hospital reviews and admissions.

It is appropriate for Band 5 and 6 nurses (or equivalent) working in a range of settings, including hospitals, community, and other settings such as schools and hospices.

Delivered in partnership with Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the EPNS course allows nurses to develop knowledge in anatomy and pathophysiology, and skills in clinical assessment, using a blended approach of online and face-to-face teaching and asynchronous E-learning.

On completion of the course, you will be able to undertake a patient history and physical examination, and communicate your findings and recommendations to senior clinical colleagues in a safe, effective and timely manner.

If you have any questions, please email the module leaders:

Attendance dates

Although much of the teaching is delivered online, applicants must be able to attend City Campus on the following dates:

Wednesday 31 May 2023
Wednesday 12 July 2023

This module is subject to having a viable number of students to run.

Professional accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Royal College of Nursing.

Learning and assessment

Students will be assessed using a variety of methods, including:

a practice-based clinical skills workbook
a multiple-choice examination
a reflective assignment
assessment of practical skills

What you will study

This module is provided in partnership with clinical colleagues from Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Training will be delivered by advanced nurse practitioners, nurses, clinical educators and paediatricians.

The module will include:

anatomy and physiology of the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and renal systems and dermatology
pathophysiology, investigations and management of common paediatric conditions, including: gastroenteritis, chromic constipation, physiological jaundice, viral-induced wheeze, asthma, bronchiolitis, croup, diabetes mellitus, nephrotic syndrome, eczema and sepsis
how to recognise and respond appropriately to a deteriorating baby, child or young person
how to take a history and perform a basic examination of a baby, child or young person, including: general inspection, cardiovascular, respiratory and abdominal examinations
communication skills around effective SBAR handover, escalating concerns and communicating with babies, children, young people and their families

Entry requirements

To successfully apply, you must:

be a registered nurse with around 18 months clinical experience
be employed in a clinical area with the ability to practice enhanced assessment skills
have a clinical supervisor (usually an ACP or doctor) who can assess your clinical skills
have a first level degree, or equivalent

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee

10 credits: £598
20 credits: £1,194
30 credits: £1,794
40 credits: £2,388
Dissertation modules (if applicable): £2,584

Additional costs

There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Financial support

Health Education England may fund some health courses/modules at the University of Bradford for healthcare staff providing NHS services working within West Yorkshire and Harrogate, against organisational training priorities identified through the organisation's training needs analysis.

You are therefore advised to contact the SSPRD Signatory within your organisation regarding their organisational training priorities.

See our fees and financial support section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Career prospects

This module can support your career progression in your chosen field. You can choose to build upon this module with further study that can lead to a full MSc award.

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.

Enhanced Paediatric Nursing Skills (EPNS)