The Certificate in Respiratory Care Skills (Intellectual Disabilities) is a 10 credit level 9 special purpose award which will be delivered over one semester using a blended learning approach. This programme will enhance nurses evidence based knowledge, skills and competencies in the care of children and adults with an intellectual disability in relation to many common respiratory conditions and treatments.
This programme will be the first of its kind in Ireland as a Level 9, 10 credit special purpose award that aims to enhance the students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes, and professional values when caring for the respiratory health of children and adults with Intellectual Disability across their lifespan.
This programme will be delivered using both clinical and theoretical expertise from the intellectual disability team within the department and also utilising the expertise of Allied Health Professionals in the HSE.
Course Delivery
This course will be delivered over 12 weeks and will include mandatory workshops that will take place in SETU Waterford Department of Nursing and Healthcare clinical skills laboratories. The theoretical component of this programme will be delivered online and will require students to attend three clinical skills workshops in SETU Waterford's nursing labs.
Live Online lecture
Anatomy and physiology of respiratory tract.
Aetiology and clinical manifestations of common disorders of the respiratory tract
Dysphagia
Aspiration and aspiration pneumonia
Systematic health assessment
Recognising the deteriorating child/ adult
Palliative respiratory care needs
The role of the M.D.T
Skills class in SETU Waterford
Chest auscultation technique.
Oral suctioning
Oxygen therapy
Nebuliser
Pharmacological interventions
Tracheostomy
CPAP
Postural management
The primary target audience for this programme are registered nurses from any discipline who are currently working in the Intellectual Disability sector or related area.
The prospective student will have to confirm that they are registered or eligible to register as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
Where English is not their first language, proof of English language competency as per SETU Waterford regulations will have to be provided.
Progression opportunities from this programme in conjunction with a level 8 qualification to include: Postgraduate/ masters programmes in nursing and health care, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
Progression opportunities from this programme in conjunction with a level 8 qualification to include: Post-graduate/ masters programmes in nursing and health care, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
