Foundations of Paediatric Intensive Care Nursing (PICU 1)
2025-26 Year of entry
Delivered by Great Ormond Street Hospital Learning Academy (GLA), this 15-credit module aims to enhance the expertise of healthcare practitioners in the field of Paediatric Intensive Care (PIC). Focused on the intricacies of this specialised area of paediatric practice, it aims to provide practitioners with a foundational knowledge of children’s intensive care.
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By delving into the practical aspects and nuances of PIC, the module aims to equip practitioners with the necessary skills to navigate critical situations effectively. Ultimately, the objective is to improve the care of children in intensive care settings by ensuring practitioners emerge as competent professionals capable of making impactful contributions to PIC practices.
Learners interested in completing a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) or Graduate Certificate (GradCert) in Paediatrics & Child Healthcare Practice in Critical Care will need to complete this module and the following modules:
- Care of the Child with Cardiac and Respiratory Compromise (PICU 2)
- Nursing Interventions for the Child in Paediatric Intensive Care (PICU 3)
To be awarded the Graduate Certificate, learners must complete all 3 modules at Level 6. To be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate, learners must complete all 3 modules at Level 7. Learners who successfully complete all 3 PICU modules will have achieved a Qualification in Specialty in Paediatric Intensive Care.
This module can be taken as standalone Continuing Professional Development (CPD), or as part of a Master of Science (MSc), Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip), Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) or Graduate Certificate (GradCert) in Paediatrics & Child Healthcare Practice. See our MSc Paediatrics & Child Healthcare Practice page for more information about these programmes.
Learners considering a programme will need to attend a pre-entry meeting with the programme leader to review the requirements and expectations of the programme. To set up a programme planning meeting, please contact the Academic Programmes Team at the GOSH Learning Academy: academic.programmes@gosh.nhs.uk.
Teaching
Active learning will allow practitioners to learn via collaboration, cooperation, and peer-based learning. Activities may include interactive lectures, clinical skills demonstration and supervised practice, small group activities, case-based discussions, workshops, practice simulations and tutorials.
Synchronous and asynchronous learning and teaching activities are delivered via a combination of study days and digital strategies at local sites or online using the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Clinical skills development and simulation are delivered in fully equipped, state of the art skills labs using a range of low and high-fidelity learning modalities.
Assessment
The formative assessment will take the form of peer feedback in mock Objective Structured Clinical Assessment (OSCA) scenarios.
The summative assessment will require learners to complete a Practice Assessment Document (PAD) incorporating reflective practice and an Objective Structured Clinical Assessment (OSCA).
Teaching dates
| Type | Date | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Day 1 | 09/09/2025 | Face-to-Face |
| Teaching Day 2 | 10/09/2025 | Face-to-Face |
| Teaching Day 3 | 14/10/2025 | Face-to-Face |
| Teaching Day 4 | 15/10/2025 | Face-to-Face |
| Teaching Day 5 | 04/11/2025 | Face-to-Face |
| Teaching Day 6 | 05/11/2025 | Face-to-Face |
| Assessment Day 1 | 02/12/2025 | Face-to-Face |
| Assessment Day 2 | 03/12/2025 | Face-to-Face |
| Assessment Day 3 | 04/12/2025 | Face-to-Face |
Teaching will take place over a whole day. Face-to-Face teaching will take place either on or around the Great Ormond Street Hospital campus or at the Middlesex University West Stand at StoneX stadium. Exact locations for teaching days will be advised closer to the start date.
Learners are only expected to attend one of the available assessment dates.
To undertake this module, you must:
- Be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
- Be currently working in a Level 3 paediatric intensive care unit and have a minimum of one-year post-registration experience in Paediatric Intensive Care.
- Be supported in the workplace to develop skills and assigned a clinical mentor.
How to apply
Applications will close two weeks before the module start date. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that they have arranged the necessary study leave to attend the module.
Candidates whose fees are being paid by their organisation will need to obtain a letter of sponsorship from their organisation and upload this as part of the application. You will not be able to save your application form once you begin, so please have the letter of sponsorship ready. You may wish to use this template: GOSH SPONSOR LETTER PDF.
If you have any questions about the module, please contact academic.programmes@gosh.nhs.uk.
Fees and funding
The fees below refer to the 2025/26 academic year unless otherwise stated.
Part-time learners: £67 per credit*
*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part time study are shown here as a guide.
Learners who withdraw on or after the start date of the module will be liable for the full tuition fees.
If you have any questions about the module, please contact academic.programmes@gosh.nhs.uk.