Master of Science in Nursing (Older Person) University of Limerick, Ireland

The overall aim of the programme is to provide registered nurses with the opportunity to enhance previously acquired professional education and develop critical inquiry, knowledge and skills, attributes and competencies in preparation for developing roles within older person nursing. Successful completion of year 1 (Graduate Diploma) will provide students with the academic qualifications necessary to be considered for Clinical Nurse Specialist posts. Successful completion of year 2 (MSc) will provide students with the academic qualifications to be considered for Advanced Nursing Practice posts. The programme provides opportunities to explore research as evidence for enhancing and changing practice. The programme also provides opportunities for nurses to develop critical thinking and reflective skills at specialist and advanced practice levels. The programme will develop professional qualities and a high level of competence in the promotion of excellence and current best practice in the delivery and appraisal of advancing practice in older person nursing.

On completion of the programme the student will:

• Critically examine evidence that informs best practice in the care of the older person in the context of gerontological care
• Critically explore the philosophy of gerontological care and biopsychosocial perspectives on ageing, current trends and issues in ageing, complexities and challenges of nursing older people, person centred approaches to care, promotion of positive ageing
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of models of gerontology assessment and therapeutic interventions currently used in care of older persons
• Apply critical thinking skills and ethical decision making required in practice
• Demonstrate proficiency in written, verbal, and digital communication skills, at individual and collaborative levels
• Critically examine the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in the provision of quality evidenced based care
• Critically review current innovations and developments in leading and managing change in practice
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the research process
• Demonstrate commitment to life-long learning while fostering self-development and self-evaluation
• Demonstrate responsibility for personal and professional development in advancing gerontological practice
• Apply critical thinking and reflective skills in promoting and advancing practice in gerontology
• Appreciate the contribution of research in informing and advancing practice in gerontology