Appropriate professional registration (NMC or equivalent). Minimum of 6 months in an acute care environment. Agreed clinical mentor. Support of local line manager.

Formative feedback will be provided during group and individual tutorials.

Clinical skill and practice development will be supported by continuous assessment in the workplace. This includes the achievement of associated care activities and the development of a practice-based diary towards the achievement of practice outcomes.

A patient case study demonstrating critical analysis of an assessment tool used to detect the effects of altered homeostasis (3,000 words) (learning outcomes 1, 2, 4 & 5). Clinical practice (learning outcomes 3,6)

All students must adhere to the Faculty of Health and Sciences' policy on confidentiality and ethical issues in academic practice and learning.

In order to successfully complete this module students will be required to pass both elements of assessment

This module facilitates the development of clinical skills that enable early recognition of the sick' patient and initiation of action with urgency. This includes the assessment of patients whose condition is at risk of deteriorating, patients requiring detailed observation (including support for a single failing organ) and those stepping down from higher levels of care. Clinical skill development is based on the care of patients with respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, neurological, nutrition and pain assessment needs. This will include reference to haemodynamic monitoring and interpretation; selection, use and limitations of equipment; interpretation of investigation results e.g. blood biochemistry/ haematology and the scoring and recording of vital signs using a variety of assessment tools, including 'track & trigger' systems. Module content will be underpinned by specific knowledge in anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.

Lecture/Discussion (80%); Problem-Solving Case studies (10%); Group & Individual Tutorials (10%)

Contact hours include a minimum of 168 hours Clinical learning
Supervised clinical practice with an identified mentor will promote an individualised learning pathway, underpin the development of clinical assessment skills and provide guidance towards the achievement of practice outcomes. It is anticipated that the majority of clinical learning will take place in the student's resident place of work. However, the student may negotiate opportunity to work in an alternative environment of care to support the achievement of associated care activities.

Clinical Mentor
Library Resources

Brooker, CG. (1996) Human Structure and Function 2nd Ed. London: Mosby ISBN: 0-7234-2661-9

Gaw, A. (1999) Clinical Biochemistry: An illustrated text. London: Churchill Livingstone. ISBN: 0-4430-6183-1

Kumar, P. & Clark, M. (1994) Clinical medicine (3rd Ed) London: W.B. Saunders Company Ltd ISBN: 0-7020-1739-6

Viney,C. (1996), Nursing the Critically Ill, Balliere Tindall WB Saudners Company Ltd., ISBN 07020 15490