Course Description
NOPC 400 Context of Cancer Nursing (3 Cr.)
This course introduces the learner to the key concepts which have shaped the development of cancer services at a national and international level. The study content explores how nations as well as individuals are affected by cancer incidence and diagnosis. The cultural basis for cancer attitudes and values will be explored as well as the relationship between self-beliefs and care practices. Different contexts of cancer provision are identified and the role of cancer prevention, detection, health promotion and patient education in reducing cancer incidence are explored and discussed.
NOPC 401 The Basic Science and Treatment of Cancer (3 Cr.)
This course is about the basic science of, and the biological processes that contribute to, the development of cancer. This knowledge is important not only in understanding how cancer arises but also why and how cancer treatment is given. New developments in cancer treatment are occurring rapidly and the need to update knowledge and skills in this increasingly technical specialty is important for the nurse.
NOPC 402 Information and Communication in Cancer Care (2 Cr.)
This course provides the knowledge and skills required to communicate effectively with cancer patients. One of the criticisms in cancer health care across many countries is that communication is poor between health professionals as well as between patients and care givers. Good communication can aid decision making and facilitate patient choice in self-management and independence. The student will have an understanding of the information requirements of patients with cancer at the time of diagnosis, treatment and aftercare.
NOPC 403 Assessment and Intervention in Cancer Nursing (4 Cr.)
This course provides the knowledge and skills required to comprehensively assess an individual diagnosed with cancer. The ability to use appropriate tools to assess specific symptom problems or age-related issues is a necessity for modern cancer care. Identifying patients’ needs is essential if the management and intervention is to be appropriate. Nursing interventions have been shown to impact on patient outcomes and their un-met needs. This module enhances the decision-making and communication course and the practice skills are complementary to the development of assessment skills.
NOPC 404 Cancer as a Chronic Illness, Palliative Care (4 Cr.)
This course provides the knowledge and skills required to support patients through treatment into survivorship and advanced disease. Cancer is increasingly being managed over many years therefore understanding co-morbidity and long term consequences of cancer and its treatment is essential to managing long term follow up. Advanced cancer also provides challenges for oncology nurses in managing symptoms, transitions in care and palliative care issues.
NOPC 450 Evidence Based and Applied Research in Cancer (4 Cr.)
This course aims to develop the skills of the nurse in being able to search, retrieve and critique evidence for cancer practice. These skills require understanding of the research process and the role of the cancer nurse in the development of new therapies and cancer knowledge. One of the difficulties of evidence-based practice is its implementation, and this module explores the barriers to change and dissemination.
NOPC 460 The Impact of Cancer (2 Cr.)
This course explores the impact that cancer diagnosis and treatment has on the individual and their family. It is recognized that a cancer diagnosis can cause high levels of psychological and physical morbidity, influencing quality of life, functional ability and employment. The uncertainty of cancer survival, fear of recurrence as well as how patients manage their illness can impact on recovery for both individuals and their families.
NOPC 461 Cancer Nursing Leadership and Management (3 Cr.)
This course will enable the learner to facilitate team management and provide the necessary skills to organize work and practice development within a cancer setting. Multidisciplinary team working is essential in cancer care and developing skills in interpersonal relationships, communication and workforce development are essential for the future.
NOPC 462 Internship Clinical Residency (5 Cr.)
After completing all of the above mentioned courses, students register in this course. This an extended practicum course where the student is provided with an opportunity to practice autonomously in the oncology and palliative care departments in a base hospital and/or in centers and homes. To ensure competence and autonomy in practice when making judgments and decisions, the student keeps a journal of oncology cases in practice from the outset of the program. The personal journal is an important aspect of the program evaluation strategy. To pass this course the student has to complete 600 hours in oncology and palliative care departments, centers and homes.
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