Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH Assessment, diagnostics and decision-making in complex nursing in a field of practice
School	Institute of Clinical Sciences
Department	Nursing and Midwifery
Module Code	02 37967
Module Lead	Stephen Grant
Level	Honours Level
Credits	40
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites	Research Methods - (02 24139) LH Leading and Managing Nursing Practice - (02 33199)
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module is designed to enable students to synthesise detailed knowledge of altered health, signs and symptoms, medical and medication history, diagnostic measures and interpretation of results to provide a simulated holistic assessment of a child with comorbidities or acute exacerbating condition. Using the results of assessment students will independently articulate their clinical management decisions developing an appropriate plan of nursing care identifying safe delegation or referral to medical staff or other appropriate professionals and referring to appropriate professional, legal and ethical frameworks. The module will develop knowledge of prescribing legislation, prescription generation, and application of detailed pharmacological knowledge specific to their field of nursing practice. Students will also be examined on their knowledge of pharmacology within their field of practice and in their safe practice in medication calculation at 100%. The module will include revision of pathophysiology and causations in complex conditions in the student’s field of clinical practice and provide explanation and rationale for the use of any diagnostic mechanisms, measures, normal and abnormal ranges behaviours and outcomes in a range of common scenarios. A range of learning and teaching activities will be used, including lead lectures, small group seminars, simulation teaching and case studies, supported by digital learning and engagement with service users, other agencies and professionals, as appropriate.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate and articulate an evidence-based systematic complex health assessment and produce a differential diagnosis within the field of simulated nursing practice Synthesise clinical information in order to independently plan manage and delegate nursing care within the field of practice Demonstrate knowledge of prescribing legislation, prescription generation, and critical apply in-depth pharmacological knowledge to administration and optimisation of medicines related to the student’s field of nursing practice Effectively and concisely share information and decisions with people, parents and/or carers as relevant and with other professionals involved in managing complex care within and across teams as relevant to a field of nursing practice Recommend the clinical management for a person with comorbidities and/or or exacerbating complex condition relevant to the field of nursing practice
Assessment	37967-01 : Open Book Exam : Exam (School Arranged) - Open Book (50%) 37967-02 : OSCE : (MDS) Structured Clinical Assessment (50%) 37967-03 : Drug Calculation Exam : Exam (School Arranged) - Computer-based (0%) 37967-04 : Pharmacology Exam : Exam (School Arranged) - Computer-based (0%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: If the module is wholly or partly assessed by coursework, please state the overall weighting: (50%) OSCE (LO 20.1; 20.2; 20.4 & 20.5) If the module is wholly or partly assessed by examination, please state the overall weighting: (50%) 2 hour open book examination (LO 20.3 & 20.5) (0%) Drug calculations passed at 100% ( pass/refer) Pharmacology multiple choice questions specific to field of practice (pass/refer) One hour ( LO 20.3)> Reassessment: Students will re-sit the failed component(s) only. Examination and OSCE: students will gain feedback provided on previous OSCEs and /or exam and any failed attempt prior to reattempt the examination or OSCE.
Other
Reading List