BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing

Bachelor of Science (Honours)Intellectual Disability Nursing
Code:
WD120
Delivery:
Full Time
2018 CAO range:
        337 - 467
Level:
8
Campus:
Cork Road
Duration:
4 years
Credits:
240 ECTS
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What is Intellectual Disability Nursing?

Intellectual Disability nursing is seen as a speciality field of nursing that provides holistic care to persons with an intellectual disability.  Intellectual disability nurses work as part of a trandisciplinary team in order to enable and empower people with intellectual disabilities to achieve their full potential.

Reasons to Choose this Course

  • Nursing is an excellent choice for students interested in a healthcare career. Because human beings are complex, careers in nursing are amongst the most challenging; they are also some of the most rewarding.

  • The Intellectual Nursing Course is delivered in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art learning environment and students undertake clinical practice around the south east region.

  • You will be taught over four years through a model that we call KSVSE (Knowledge, Science, Values and Attitudes, Skills and Experience).

  • Successfully completing all aspects of the course allows you to register as an Intellectual Disability Nurse with An Bord Altranais.

Clinical Placement

Clinical experience is an essential element of the course in order to register as an Intellectual Disability nurse.  There are over 80 weeks of clinical placement throughout the course including a 36 week continuous internship placement in year four.  Students will be accommodated on clinical placements in Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow and South Tipperary. 

Mature Applicants

  • Mature Applicants must apply using CAO code WD120

  • Mature Applicants for this and other nursing courses must apply by 1 February. Late applications will not be accepted.

  • Please note that the course content is exactly the same for mature and non-mature students.

Year 1
Semester 1Semester 2
Anatomy & Physiology 1Anatomy & Physiology 2
Intellectual Disabilities Nursing Skills & ExperienceCaring for People with Intellectual Disability
Introduction to Intellectual Disabilities Nursing Health & Psychosocial Studies 1
Learning to LearnIntroduction to Evidence Based Practice 1
Professional & Personal DevelopmentMedication Management 1
Professional & Personal Safety 1Nursing Experience 2
Year 2
Semester 3Semester 4
Health & Psychosocial Studies 2Ethical, Legal & Political Issues in Intellectual Disabilities
Introduction to PathophysiologyEvidence Based Practice 2
Medication Managment 2Nursing Experience 4
Nursing Experience 3 Nursing Skills
Nursing Skills for Acute Care Supporting the Adolescent with Intellectual Disabilities
Supporting People with Mental Health Problems
Year 3
Semester 5Semester 6
Applied Pathophysiology Evidence Based Practice 3
Behavioural Approaches in Intellectual Disabilities Health Assessment Through the Lifespan
Nursing Experience 5Management & Leadership in Healthcare
Professional and Client Safety 3 Medication Management 3
Nursing Experience 6
Supporting the Adult & Older Adult with Intellectual Disabilities
Year 4
Semester 7Semester 8
Consolidation of Nursing Skills for ID PracticeConsolidation of Knowledge Science Values and Attitudes
Contemporary Issues in Intellectual Disability Nursing Skills and Experience through Clinical Internship
Health Promotion for People with Intellectual Disabilities This is a 36 week placement within the South East.
Health & Psychosocial Studies 3
Nurse as Educator in Practice / Preceptorship
Nursing Experience 7

Leaving Certificate 2018:

Minimum entry requirements

2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7
Science: 06/H7

  • A laboratory science subject (biology, physics, chemistry, physics & chemistry (joint) or agricultural science)
     
  • Three other subjects (may include Irish or English and a laboratory science subject not included already) or have equivalent second level educational qualifications to the foregoing.
     
  • The minimum educational requirements may be accumulated over not more than two sittings of the leaving certificate examination or an equivalent examination.

Advanced and Equivalent Entry:

Additional Applicant Requirements

1. Fitness to Practice - All applicants will be required to undergo a full medical examination, to establish that they are medically fit to take up the profession of nursing. 

2. Garda Clearance - All applicants will be required to complete Garda Vetting Application Forms. Please note the following with regard to vetting procedures once registered with WIT:

  • Applicants will be provided with relevant forms and documentation for vetting within Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.

  • It is mandatory for applicants who have resided abroad for a period greater than 6 months since the age of 12 years to provide WIT with a Police Clearance Certificate from those countries.

  • Clinical placements can only be arranged for students on receipt of satisfactory clearance.

  • Further information re Garda/Police clearance is available from the Nurse Allocations Office, WIT at 051 845601.

Graduates may practice as a Registered Intellectual Disability Nurse within the Irish healthcare sector and voluntary services.  Universally Irish nurses are highly regarded by other countries thus enhancing work opportunities.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Following qualification it is possible to specialise in a number of areas within intellectual disability nursing i.e. challenging behaviour, multiple and complex disabilities.  Alternatively graduates may choose to pursue advanced studies in nursing education or nursing management.

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