Graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Nursing

Course overview

The Graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Nursing is designed for registered nurses working in a variety of orthopaedic environments. This course aims to cultivate excellence in the delivery of nursing care through the exploration and integration of theoretical knowledge, evidence-based practice and clinical nursing.

Content includes exploration of the impact of acute and chronic illness, differentiation of the range of musculoskeletal dysfunction associated with trauma and emphasises assessment and management strategies within both the adult and paediatric setting.

Participants have an opportunity to expand their professional development and improve their research skills through online forums and discussion of professional and clinical issues. This online course uses a variety of learning modes including case studies, multimedia and discussion forums in a virtual classroom.

Graduates of this course will be better prepared to implement evidence-based practice and contemporary research to improve person outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

This course is designed to develop specific learning outcomes. Students will:

• apply specialist knowledge of physiology, pathophysiology of diseases and trauma to the nursing assessment and management of orthopaedic conditions
• explore the legal, ethical and cultural issues in relation to the nursing care of orthopaedic conditions
• demonstrate specialist knowledge, comprehensive assessment skills and evidence-based practice to improve orthopaedic nursing care
• evaluate complex clinical problems demonstrating a specialist approach to practice across the lifespan
• critically reflect on current practice and learning experiences to promote leadership, knowledge sharing and development of a philosophy of lifelong learning
• develop advanced communication skills in order to establish therapeutic relationships with stakeholders, families and the multidisciplinary team for a holistic approach to nursing care.

Career outcomes

A Graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Nursing is an investment in your future and will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure better outcomes for the individuals under your care and progress your career, leading to opportunities in clinical education, management and specialist nursing roles.

Course Structure

The Graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Nursing is a one year course, consisting of four 10-week terms. Students will need to complete 4 units – 3 core and 1 elective. One unit is studied per term. Approximate hours of study are 12 – 15 hours per week.