BCFE Ballyfermot College of Further Education

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Pre-Nursing

Course Code SPN, Duration: 1 Year

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This course is aimed at students who wish to enter nursing in Ireland or in the UK. Nursing theory and practice is taught by a Clinical Nurse Practitioner. Development of practical skills and personal qualities is emphasised throughout the course to equip students for further study in nursing training or future employment. Practical training days and visits to hospitals are provided throughout the course. Work experience makes up approximately 25% of the course. Students go to hospitals and other nursing centres to gain experience in all fields of nursing: general, paediatric, mental handicap, psychiatric, and geriatric.

Course Content:

Work Experience, Introduction to Nursing, Anatomy and Physiology, Health and Safety at Work, Psychology for Helping Professions, Human Growth and Development, Social Studies, Communications and Word Processing.

Entry Requirements:

Five passes in Leaving Certificate/LCVP preferably including a Science subject or a merit in Leaving Certificate Applied or FETAC level 4 Certificate. Relevant work experience is also an advantage. The academic entry requirements may be waived for mature applicants (21+).

Certification:

FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Nursing Studies (DCHSN), First Aid Certificate. Certificate in Manual Lifting and Handling of Patients.

Progression:

Progression to certain Irish Schools of Nursing is now possible for a small number of pre- Nursing graduates through places reserved for FETAC graduates. The course also has links with specific UK colleges which may recruit graduates to train in the UK. Applicants should note that Leaving Certificate grades higher than the minimum entry requirements for this course are required for direct entry to nursing in Ireland and in the U.K. Graduates are eligible to apply to progress to Higher Education Courses through the Higher Education Links Scheme and through the Pilot Scheme. Graduates with a merit profile may apply for entry to BTEC Higher National Diploma in Applied Social Studies/ Social Care in BCFE.