WHO IS IT FOR? This module is designed for nurses working in emergency departments and walk in centres who are developing their role towards emergency nurse practitioner, who will see, treat, refer and discharge patients with minor injuries and fractures.
BENEFITS
On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:
Demonstrate mastery in holistic patient assessment, management, and referral of minor injuries, incorporating inter-professional working
Critically analyse the nature of holistic assessment and the application of theoretical models to the process of assessment
Critically appraise clinical decision making strategies, and the therapeutic plan
Demonstrate ability to share knowledge and expertise in assessment while collaborating with other health care professionals, by extrapolating and integrating advanced knowledge into clinical patient assessment
Synthesise and interpret investigations including x–rays and assessment information to reach conclusions that are based on good evidence, clinical judgement, and risk assessment
Critically appraise current nurse practitioner practice and research to enable the development of minor illness practice
Critically analyse the legal, ethical and risk management issues and frameworks that underpin role development
AIM
The aim of this module is to enable the experienced emergency/ first contact care practitioner to develop proficiency in the skills of assessment, treatment and management of minor injuries and apply this to their clinical context. It provides the autonomous practitioner with the advanced knowledge base,communication skills, and safe clinical examination skills, to equip them to make confident autonomous, effective and evidence based patient care decisions.
SYLLABUS
Physical assessment techniques and approaches
Examination skills
History taking and documentation
Consultation styles, and interpersonal skills
Overview of anatomy and physiology, mechanism of injury, common injuries seen, examination technique, management, referral and discharge advice for the following minor injuries:
Sport injuries of the upper and lower limb
Upper limb fractures and soft tissue injuries
Lower limb fractures and soft tissue injuries
Minor head injury management
Minor back and hip injury management
Neurological system review and assessment skills
Paediatric minor injury management.
Management of minor eye injuries
Clinical decision making for differential diagnosis
Evidence-based practice
Reflective practice
Health promotion and injury prevention for minor injuries
Use of laboratory and other screening investigations
Understanding X-ray requesting and safety procedures
X-ray interpretation and diagnosis
The autonomous practitioner - role and responsibilities
Scope of professional practice
Legal and ethical issues in practice.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
Teaching will have a problem orientated focus through guided study, and case scenario development to develop and reinforce a life long learning perspective for clinical skills.
Evidence of ability to study at level 7. Professional registration as a nurse or paramedic. Current employment in an appropriate health care setting, and permission to practice and use advanced assessment skills in current clinical employment.
