Decisions and guidelines

Syllabus for the Specialist Nursing Programme at Uppsala University and its possible specialisations, covering 60 credits, with the exception of the district nurse specialisation, which covers 75 credits.

The programme is organised in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Annex 2.

General objectives for second-cycle higher education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall be based fundamentally on the knowledge acquired by students during first-cycle courses and study programmes, or its equivalent.

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall:

• further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge,

• develop the students’ ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and

• develop the students’ potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Chapter 1, Section 9 of the Swedish Higher Education Act)

Objectives at Uppsala University

The Specialist Nursing Programme is a vocational programme based on research within the major Caring Sciences Focusing on Nursing, but also on research within other relevant subjects and proven knowledge and experience. The Specialist Nursing Programme shall provide the expertise needed for the specialist nurse to be independently responsible for the care of the patient in various specific conditions, within both inpatient and outpatient care, and to lead the development of evidence-based nursing. Furthermore the specialist nurse is to participate in the development of health and social services along with other professions.

Local decisions and guidelines

Uppsala University has decided that the specialisations within the Specialist Nursing Programme shall be established at the institutions with the best specialist knowledge and the highest level of expertise within each specialisation, both in terms of caring science and medical science. The development of the major Caring Science Focusing on Nursing shall take place through a well-developed collaboration between the concerned institutions and the Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences at Uppsala University. The Specialist Nursing Programme thereby offers an education in collaboration with a highly specialised health service, and with research at the forefront of several specialities.

Description of the major Caring Science Focusing on Nursing

Caring Science Focusing on Nursing is the main field of study in the Nursing and Specialist Nursing Programmes at Uppsala University. This includes human health, environment and nursing/nursing activities as central concepts. Knowledge in nursing is to be evidence-based, academically founded and be applied with an approach that is professionally ethical and reflects academic thought.

Second-cycle nursing courses are characterised by theoretical knowledge of different areas being integrated with in-depth analyses of complex nursing needs. Second-cycle nursing requires an ability to critically process, evaluate and compile information about the individual’s situation and condition, in order to thereby suggest and implement adequate measures for specific nursing needs. Furthermore, second-cycle nursing entails systematic academic assessment and evaluation of both traditional and new nursing strategies.

Nursing means seeing the human being from a holistic perspective. The goal of nursing is to promote health, prevent illness and ill-health, restore and preserve health based on a person’s individual circumstances and needs, reduce suffering and provide conditions for a dignified death. Nursing refers to short-term or long-term help for people, who due to their health status are unable to plan and/or carry out everyday activities. Nursing is planned and implemented to ensure the respect for the individual’s independence, and to meet their need for security and integrity. A fundamental part of good nursing is to maintain a respectful approach, based on ethical and cultural aspects and a gender equality perspective.

Nursing entails measures intended to create a health-promoting environment, to remove pain and discomfort, and to provide support and assistance to the individual and their families as they react to illness, trauma, functional disabilities and treatment situations. Nursing measures thus covers everything from high-technology measures to support in traumatic and existential crises. Nursing also entails the identification of risk and health-promoting factors, and collaboration with other actors in terms of health-promotion and disease prevention measures for individuals, patients, groups and society as a whole.

Nursing can be general or specialised. General nursing is independent of disease and medical treatment, while specialised nursing relates to, and requires knowledge, not only of normal human functions, but also the specific disease in question and how to treat it. Assessing what constitutes good nursing in each situation requires relevant knowledge from different areas; natural, social and behavioural sciences as well as humanities.

Nursing activities/measures in the wider sense means that the concerned professional categories, in collaboration with the individual and their family, when appropriate, formulate and clarify goals for physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being and health. Counselling and guidance are important nursing activities/measures, in support of the contributions made by the individual and their family, during and after both inpatient and outpatient health and social care.

Programme objectives (the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Annex 2 Qualifications Ordinance)

For a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing, the student shall demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to work autonomously as a specialist nurse.

Knowledge and understanding

For a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing the student shall, in the specific specialisation,

• demonstrate knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the field and insight into current research and development work as well as the links between research and proven experience and the significance of these links for professional practice, and

• demonstrate specialised knowledge of the planning, management and coordination of health care measures.

Competence and skills

For a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing the student shall, in the specific specialisation,

• demonstrate specialised skills in identifying health care needs and drawing up care programmes autonomously and in collaboration with the patient and those close to them

• demonstrate the ability to direct and evaluate health care interventions

• demonstrate specialised skills in initiating, undertaking and evaluating health promotion and preventive interventions

• demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and also to analyse, assess and deal with complex issues and situations

• demonstrate the ability to participate in or undertake autonomously examinations and treatment, including end-of-life care, and

• demonstrate the capacity to act as a nursing instructor.

Judgement and approach

For a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing the student shall, in the specific specialisation,

• demonstrate self-awareness and the capacity for empathy

• demonstrate the ability to assess interventions using a holistic approach to individuals informed by the relevant disciplinary, social and ethical aspects and taking particular account of human rights

• demonstrate the ability to adopt a professional approach to patients and those close to them, and

demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and undertake ongoing development of his or her skills.

Independent project (degree project)

A requirement for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing is completion by the student of an independent project (degree project).

Scope and objectives for each specialisation

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing : Emergency Care

The programme scope is 60 credits, taught at second-cycle level.

In accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), the student shall have obtained the following objectives after completion of the programme:

• demonstrate the ability to observe and assess the functions of all organic systems and the mental condition of patients as well as the ability to initiate and undertake medical interventions autonomously

Local objectives

After completion of the programme, the student shall also have obtained the following goals

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate knowledge of the academic basis of nursing and medical care in regard to patients being cared for within intermediate and emergency care.

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of biomedical subjects, pharmacology and medical engineering used in intermediate and emergency care.

Competence and skills

• demonstrate knowledge and insight in terms of current research and development efforts to assess and handle complex issues and situations within nursing of patients who have suffered acute illness/trauma, including social and ethical aspects, with particular regard for human rights

• demonstrate an ability to assess measures, while maintaining a holistic view of the individual, based on relevant academic, social and ethical aspects, with particular regard for human rights, and a focus on using developed nursing pedagogy skills to coordinate care and health-promotion efforts, including self-care.

• demonstrate an ability to promote and take responsibility for patient autonomy and integrity

• demonstrate an ability to maintain a focus on the individual, while independently, and in collaborating with a team, identify nursing needs, establishing a nursing plan and evaluating nursing measures for patients suffered acute illness/trauma, including end-of-life care

• demonstrate an ability to relate to patients and families in crisis

• demonstrate an ability to apply in-depth knowledge of communication, leadership and collaboration, in order to promote a good and safe working and nursing environment, and demonstrate an ability to apply strategies through an effective use of resources

Judgement and approach

• evaluate their knowledge and skills in nursing and in their leadership functions, and to reflect on their own ability to apply acquired knowledge and experiences in new situations

• demonstrate empathy and the ability to take on a professional and ethical approach to relate to and communicate with patients and their families

• demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and evaluate research results in order to apply evidence-based knowledge in their professional role

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing : Anaesthesia Care

The programme scope is 60 credits, taught at second-cycle level.

In accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), the student shall have obtained the following objectives after completion of the programme:

• demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for monitoring and undertaking local and general anaesthetic, analgesic and sedative interventions in connection with surgical operations, examinations and the treatment of patients, and

• demonstrate the ability to apply his or her specialist knowledge in connection with major accidents and catastrophes.

Local objectives

After completion of the programme, the student shall also have obtained the following goals

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the perioperative nursing process within general and specialised anaesthesia care

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of biomedical subjects, pharmacology and medical engineering used in general and specialised anaesthesia care

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of scientific methodology and of the application of quality and development efforts in reference to nursing within anaesthesia care

Competence and skills

• demonstrate an ability to independently apply the nursing process in anaesthesia care adapted to patients of different ages, gender and sociocultural background

• demonstrate an ability to promote and take responsibility for patient autonomy and integrity in high-technology environment

• demonstrate an ability to independently monitor and apply anaesthetic, analgesic and sedative interventions, and to prevent complications within anaesthesia care, in order to thus promote optimal health

• demonstrate a readiness to act and an ability to prioritise measures in nursing and treatment during acute and complex situations, and to apply their specialist knowledge in connection to accidents and catastrophes

• demonstrate an ability to apply in-depth knowledge of communication, leadership and collaboration to promote a healthy and safe working and nursing environment, and an ability to implement strategies through an effective use of resources

• demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and evaluate research results in order to apply evidence-based knowledge in their professional role

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate an ability to reflect on as well as analyse and evaluate their own nursing measures and those of others, based on culture, gender and psychosocial factors within anaesthesia care

• demonstrate empathy and the ability to take on a professional and ethical approach to relate to and communicate with patients and their families

• demonstrate an ability to critically review, analyse and evaluate research results in order to assess their relevance for the development of nursing within anaesthesia care

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing : Diabetes Care

The programme scope is 60 credits, taught at second-cycle level.

In accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), the student shall have obtained the following objectives after completion of the programme:

• demonstrate the ability to observe, assess and deal with care needs, habilitation and rehabilitation in patients within the specific area of specialisation autonomously

• demonstrate the ability to plan, undertake and evaluate measures required for different illnesses, to promote health and prevent the occurrence of illnesses and their complications in the specific area of specialisation

• demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for examinations and treatment in the specific area of specialisation, and

• demonstrate the ability to apply his or her specialist knowledge and skills in caring situations and for target groups that are particularly relevant for the specific area of specialisation.

Local objectives

After completion of the programme, the student shall also have obtained the following goals:

Knowledge and understanding:

• ability to quality-assure and document the effects of care and treatment

• demonstrate an understanding of the pharmacokinetics of drugs related to diabetes

• demonstrate knowledge of the adjustment of drugs related to diabetes

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of diabetes and diabetes-related illnesses, their onset mechanisms, physiology and pathology

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the measures needed to prevent the occurrence of type 2 diabetes

Competence and skills

• demonstrate the ability to independently take responsibility for a nurse-led diabetes clinic.

• demonstrate the ability to take independent responsibility for patient care in connection to examination and treatment, and follow up on treatment results.

• demonstrate the ability to independently conduct and assist in examination and treatment, e.g., foot examination and interpretation of blood glucose values

• demonstrate the ability to plan, implement and evaluate training patients and family members, individually or in a group, relating to diabetes and its possible effects on everyday life.

• demonstrate skills in planning, implementation and evaluation of training for people involved in the patient's in daily life, such as at their preschool, school, group home, nursing home etc.

• demonstrate the ability to critically analyse and evaluate research results and national guidelines in order to apply evidence-based knowledge in their professional role.

• demonstrate the ability to evaluate and critically review the technical development within diabetes care, for example in terms of insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring and mobile applications.

Judgement and approach:

• demonstrate the ability to set up and reflect on individual treatment goals together with the patient, their family, physician, and in applicable cases, other professionals.

• demonstrate the ability to initiate and, along with the healthcare team, introduce evidence-based methods within diabetes care.

• demonstrate the ability to reflect on, analyse and evaluate the patient's ability for self-care, based on an individual and ethical approach, and taking culture, gender and psychosocial factors into account.

• demonstrate the ability to critically review, analyse and evaluate research results and national guidelines, and assess their relevance for the development of diabetes care.

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing : Intensive Care

The programme scope is 60 credits, taught at second-cycle level.

In accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), the student shall have obtained the following objectives after completion of the programme:

• demonstrate the ability to observe and assess the functions of all organic systems and the mental condition of patients as well as the ability to initiate and undertake medical interventions autonomously, and

• demonstrate the ability to apply his or her specialist knowledge in connection with major accidents and catastrophes.

Local objectives

After completion of the programme, the student shall also have obtained the following goals

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the nursing process within general and intensive care

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of biomedical subjects, pharmacology and medical engineering used in general and specialist intensive care

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of scientific methodology and of the application of quality and development efforts in reference to nursing within intensive care

Competence and skills

• demonstrate an ability to independently apply the nursing process in intensive care adapted to patients of different ages, gender and sociocultural background

• demonstrate an ability to promote and take responsibility for patient autonomy and integrity in high-technology environment

• demonstrate an ability to independently monitor and apply medical interventions, and to prevent complications within intensive care, in order to thus promote optimal health

• demonstrate a readiness to act and an ability to prioritise measures in nursing and treatment during acute and complex situations, and to apply their specialist knowledge in connection to accidents and catastrophes

• demonstrate an ability to apply in-depth knowledge of communication, leadership and collaboration to promote a healthy and safe working and nursing environment, and an ability to implement strategies through an effective use of resources

• demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and evaluate research results in order to apply evidence-based knowledge in their professional role

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate an ability to reflect on as well as analyse and evaluate their own nursing measures and those of others, based on culture, gender and psychosocial factors within intensive care

• demonstrate empathy and the ability to take on a professional and ethical approach to relate to and communicate with patients and their families

• demonstrate an ability to critically review, analyse and evaluate research results in order to assess their relevance for the development of nursing within intensive care

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing : Theatre Care

The programme scope is 60 credits, taught at second-cycle level. In accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), the student shall have obtained the following objectives after completion of the programme:

• demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for asepsis, instruments and measures to prevent infection and complications in connection with surgical interventions and the treatment and examination of patients as well as the ability to manage biological specimens, and

• demonstrate the ability to apply his or her specialist knowledge in connection with major accidents and catastrophes.

Local objectives:

After completion of the programme, the student shall also have obtained the following goals

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the nursing process within theatre care

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of biomedical subjects, pharmacology and medical engineering used in theatre care

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of scientific methodology and of the application of quality and development efforts in reference to nursing within theatre care

Competence and skills

• demonstrate an ability to independently apply the nursing process in theatre care adapted to patients of different ages, gender and sociocultural background

• demonstrate an ability to promote and take responsibility for patient autonomy and integrity in high-technology environment

• demonstrate an ability to independently monitor and apply medical interventions, and to prevent complications within theatre care, in order to thus promote optimal health

• demonstrate a readiness to act and an ability to prioritise measures in nursing and treatment during acute and complex situations, and to apply their specialist knowledge in connection to accidents and catastrophes

• demonstrate an ability to apply in-depth knowledge of communication, leadership and collaboration to promote a healthy and safe working and nursing environment, and an ability to implement strategies through an effective use of resources

• demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and evaluate research results in order to apply evidence-based knowledge in their professional role

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate an ability to reflect on as well as analyse and evaluate their own nursing measures and those of others, based on culture, gender and psychosocial factors within theatre care

• demonstrate empathy and the ability to take on a professional and ethical approach to relate to and communicate with patients and their families

• demonstrate an ability to critically review, analyse and evaluate research results in order to assess their relevance for the development of nursing within theatre care

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing : Pre-hospital Emergency Care

The programme scope is 60 credits, taught at second-cycle level.

In accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), the student shall have obtained the following objectives after completion of the programme:

• demonstrate the ability to assess the somatic or mental status and immediate needs of sick or injured individuals and also demonstrate the ability to undertake the interventions required for patients in widely differing circumstances, and

• demonstrate the ability to apply his or her specialist knowledge in connection with major accidents and catastrophes.

Local objectives

After completion of the programme, the student shall also have obtained the following goals

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the nursing process within pre-hospital emergency care

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of biomedical subjects, pharmacology and medical engineering and in-depth knowledge of scientific methodology and of the application of quality and development efforts in reference to nursing within pre-hospital emergency care

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of how to drive the ambulance in a manner that ensures the best possible safety for the crew, patients and fellow road users

Competence and skills

• demonstrate an ability to independently apply the nursing process in pre-hospital emergency care adapted to patients of different ages, gender and sociocultural background

• demonstrate an ability to independently handle medical technology and communication equipment

• demonstrate an ability to promote and take responsibility for patient autonomy and integrity

• demonstrate a readiness to act and an ability to prioritise measures in nursing and treatment during acute and complex situations, and to apply their specialist knowledge in connection to accidents and catastrophes

• demonstrate an ability to independently monitor and apply medical interventions, and to prevent complications within pre-hospital emergency care, in order to thus promote optimal health

• demonstrate an ability to apply in-depth knowledge of communication, leadership and collaboration to promote a healthy and safe working and nursing environment, and an ability to implement strategies through an effective use of resources

• demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and evaluate research results in order to apply evidence-based knowledge in their professional role

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate an ability to reflect on as well as analyse and evaluate their own nursing measures and those of others, based on culture, gender and psychosocial factors within pre-hospital emergency care

• demonstrate empathy and the ability to take on a professional and ethical approach to relate to and communicate with patients and their families

• demonstrate an ability to critically review, analyse and evaluate research results in order to assess their relevance for the development of nursing within pre-hospital emergency care

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing : Surgical Care

The programme scope is 60 credits, taught at second-cycle level. In accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), the student shall have obtained the following objectives after completion of the programme:

• demonstrate the ability to observe, assess and deal with complex nursing needs in patients requiring surgical care.

Local objectives:

After completion of the programme, the student shall also have obtained the following goals

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the nursing process within surgical care

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of biomedical subjects, pharmacology and medical engineering as well as epidemiology, aetiology, diagnostics and treatment of patients with surgical conditions

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of scientific methodology and of the application of quality and development efforts in reference to nursing within surgical care

Competence and skills

• demonstrate an ability to independently apply the nursing process in surgical care adapted to patients of different ages, gender and sociocultural background

• demonstrate an ability to promote and take responsibility for patient autonomy and integrity in high-technology environment

• demonstrate an ability to independently monitor and apply medical interventions, and to prevent complications within surgical care, in order to thus promote optimal health

• demonstrate a readiness to act and an ability to prioritise measures in nursing and treatment in complex situations, and to apply their specialist knowledge in connection to accidents and catastrophes

• demonstrate an ability to apply in-depth knowledge of communication, leadership and collaboration to promote a healthy and safe working and nursing environment, and an ability to implement strategies through an effective use of resources

• demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and evaluate research results in order to apply evidence-based knowledge in their professional role

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate an ability to reflect on as well as analyse and evaluate their own nursing measures and those of others, based on culture, gender and psychosocial factors within surgical care

• demonstrate empathy and the ability to take on a professional and ethical approach to relate to and communicate with patients and their families

• demonstrate an ability to critically review, analyse and evaluate research results in order to assess their relevance for the development of nursing within surgical care

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing : Oncology Care

The programme scope is 60 credits, taught at second-cycle level.

In accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), the student shall have obtained the following objectives after completion of the programme:

• demonstrate the ability to observe, assess and deal with complex nursing needs in patients requiring oncology care, and

• demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to work with treatments such as cytostatic therapy and radiotherapy.

Local objectives

After completion of the programme, the student shall also have obtained the following goals

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the nursing process within oncology care

• account for and demonstrate in-depth knowledge of primary cancer prevention, cancers, cancer diagnostics as well as oncological and surgical treatment methods used for cancers.

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of scientific methodology and of the application of quality and development efforts in reference to nursing within oncology care

Competence and skills

• demonstrate an ability to independently apply the nursing process in oncology care adapted to patients of different ages, gender and sociocultural background

• demonstrate an ability to independently monitor and implement oncological treatments, and an to prevent complications in order to thus promote optimal health.

• demonstrate an ability to promote and take responsibility for patient autonomy and integrity

• demonstrate an ability to take responsibility to psychosocial care and end-of-life care, and collaborate with other professional groups to take and evaluate suitable measures

• demonstrate an ability to apply in-depth knowledge of communication, leadership and collaboration to promote a healthy and safe working and nursing environment, and an ability to implement strategies through an effective use of resources

• demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and evaluate research results in order to apply evidence-based knowledge in their professional role

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate an ability to reflect on as well as analyse and evaluate their own nursing measures and those of others, based on culture, gender and psychosocial factors within oncology care

• demonstrate empathy and the ability to take on a professional and ethical approach to relate to and communicate with patients and their families

• demonstrate an ability to critically review, analyse and evaluate research results in order to assess their relevance for the development of nursing within oncology care

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing : Paediatric Care

The programme scope is 60 credits, taught at second-cycle level.

In accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), the student shall have obtained the following objectives after completion of the programme:

• demonstrate the ability to assess, plan, undertake and evaluate the interventions required to promote physical, mental and social health and prevent the occurrence of illnesses and their complications autonomously

• demonstrate the ability to observe, assess and deal with complex care needs in children and young people at different stages of development, and

• demonstrate the knowledge required to take responsibility for health examinations and vaccinations.

Local objectives

After completion of the programme, the student shall also have obtained the following goals

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the nursing process within paediatric care

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the physical, psychological, social and spiritual development of children and young people, and apply this knowledge based on a gender perspective

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of theories that are relevant to paediatric care

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of scientific methodology and of the application of quality and development efforts in reference to nursing within paediatric care

Competence and skills

• demonstrate an ability to independently apply the nursing process adapted to children and young people of different ages, gender and sociocultural background, as well as their families, in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

• demonstrate an ability to safeguard and take responsibility for the autonomy and integrity of children, young people and their families

• demonstrate an ability to independently monitor and implement medical measures within paediatric care and prevent complications in order to thus promote optimal health.

• demonstrate an ability to take responsibility for psychosocial care and end-of-life care for children and young people

• demonstrate an ability to apply in-depth knowledge of communication, leadership and collaboration to promote a healthy and safe working and nursing environment, and an ability to implement strategies through an effective use of resources

• demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and evaluate research results in order to apply evidence-based knowledge in their professional role

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate an ability to reflect on as well as analyse and evaluate their own nursing measures and those of others, based on culture, gender and psychosocial factors within paediatric care

• demonstrate empathy and the ability to take on a professional and ethical approach to relate to and communicate with patients and their families

• demonstrate an ability to critically review, analyse and evaluate research results in order to assess their relevance for the development of nursing within paediatric care

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing : Mental Health Care

The programme scope is 60 credits, taught at second-cycle level.

In accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), the student shall have obtained the following objectives after completion of the programme:

demonstrate the ability to observe, assess and deal with complex care needs

demonstrate the ability to deal with individuals in crisis, and

demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to participate in treatment, habilitation and rehabilitation in mental health nursing and care.

Local objectives

After completion of the programme, the student shall also have obtained the following goals

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the nursing process within mental health care

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of biomedical subjects, pharmacology and psychological treatment principles

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of scientific methodology and of the application of quality and development efforts in reference to nursing within mental health care

Competence and skills

• demonstrate an ability to independently apply the nursing process in mental health care adapted to patients of different ages, gender and sociocultural background

• demonstrate an ability to apply an optimal health perspective

• demonstrate an ability to promote and take responsibility for patient autonomy and integrity

• demonstrate an ability to apply in-depth knowledge of communication, leadership and collaboration to promote a healthy and safe working and nursing environment, and an ability to implement strategies through an effective use of resources

• demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and evaluate research results in order to apply evidence-based knowledge in their professional role

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate an ability to reflect on as well as analyse and evaluate their own nursing measures and those of others, based on culture, gender and psychosocial factors within mental health care

• demonstrate empathy and the ability to take on a professional and ethical approach to relate to and communicate with patients and their families

• demonstrate an ability to critically review, analyse and evaluate research results in order to assess their relevance for the development of nursing within mental health care

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing : Elderly Care

The programme scope is 60 credits, taught at second-cycle level. In addition to the central decrees and guidelines of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), the student shall have obtained the following objectives after completion of the programme:

• demonstrate the ability to assess, plan, undertake and evaluate the measures required to promote physical, mental and social health and prevent the occurrence of illnesses and their complications autonomously, and

• demonstrate the ability to observe and assess complex care and rehabilitation needs in elderly patients.

Local objectives:

After completion of the programme, the student shall also have obtained the following goals

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the nursing process within elderly care

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the physical, psychological, social and spiritual development and needs of geriatric patients, and apply this based on a gender perspective

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of theories on ageing and nursing

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of biomedical subjects, pharmacology and disease treatment principles

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of scientific methodology and of the application of quality and development efforts in reference to nursing within elderly care

Competence and skills

• demonstrate an ability to independently apply the nursing process adapted to elderly patients

• demonstrate an ability to promote and take responsibility for the autonomy and integrity of elderly patients

• demonstrate an ability to independently monitor and implement medical measures and prevent complications in order to thus promote optimal health

• demonstrate an ability to apply in-depth knowledge of communication, leadership and collaboration to promote a healthy and safe working and nursing environment, and an ability to implement strategies through an effective use of resources

• demonstrate an ability to take individual responsibility for palliative care

• demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and evaluate research results in order to apply evidence-based knowledge in their professional role

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate an ability to reflect on as well as analyse and evaluate their own nursing measures and those of others, based on culture, gender and psychosocial factors within elderly care

• demonstrate empathy and the ability to take on a professional and ethical approach to relate to and communicate with patients and their families

• demonstrate an ability to critically review, analyse and evaluate research results in order to assess their relevance for the development of nursing within elderly care

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing : Primary Health Care

The programme scope is 75 credits, taught at second-cycle level.

In accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), the student shall have obtained the following objectives after completion of the programme:

• demonstrate the ability to assess, plan, undertake and evaluate the interventions required to promote physical, mental and social health and prevent the occurrence of illnesses and their complications autonomously

• demonstrate the ability to observe and assess complex care, habilitation and rehabilitation needs in patients, and

• demonstrate the knowledge required to take responsibility for health examinations and vaccinations.

Local objectives

After completion of the programme, the student shall also have obtained the following goals

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the nursing process within primary health care

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of demonstrate in-depth knowledge of biomedical subjects and pharmacology

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the planning, management and coordination of health care measures.

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of scientific methodology and of the application of quality and development efforts in reference to nursing within primary health care

Competence and skills

• demonstrate an ability to independently apply the nursing process in primary health care adapted to patients of different ages, gender and sociocultural background

• demonstrate an ability to independently prescribe aids and drugs to patients with particular diseases

• demonstrate an ability to initiate, undertake and evaluate health promotion and preventive public health measures in collaboration with other actors at the individual, group and society levels

• demonstrate an ability to promote and take responsibility for the autonomy and integrity of the patients

• demonstrate an ability to independently monitor and implement medical measures and prevent complications in order to thus promote optimal health

• demonstrate an ability to apply in-depth knowledge of communication, leadership and collaboration to promote a healthy and safe working and nursing environment, and an ability to implement strategies through an effective use of resources

• demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and evaluate research results in order to apply evidence-based knowledge in their professional role

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate an ability to reflect on as well as analyse and evaluate their own nursing measures and those of others, based on culture, gender and psychosocial factors within primary health care

• demonstrate empathy and the ability to take on a professional and ethical approach to relate to and communicate with patients and their families

• demonstrate an ability to critically review, analyse and evaluate research results in order to assess their relevance for the development of nursing within primary health care

Entry requirements

Layout of the programme

Eleven out of the twelve specialisations have a common content within Caring Sciences Focusing on Nursing. The common content consists of theories and models within nursing, ethics, leadership, communication, scientific methodology and nursing pedagogy. Instruction takes place through joint lectures and seminars, which are distributed over several courses and partly taught online.

The twelfth specialisation, Elderly Care, has a different profile, as it is conducted as a national web-based programme.

The programme is completed with the same course for all specialisations, i.e., a degree project of either 15 or 7.5 credits.

Instruction

The theoretical and practical elements of the programme are coordinated focusing on the professional field of the specialist nurse. During the clinical placement (VFU) and the practical elements of the programme, theoretical knowledge is integrated with clinical work and skills training.

The overall fundamental pedagogy of the Specialist Nursing Programme is based in the Faculty of Medicine’s educational programme as well as the overall educational programme of Uppsala University. The focus of these programmes is placed on a pedagogy that encourages the student to take active responsibility for their own studies and knowledge acquisition, and to be an educational resource.

The instruction is to result in the student acquiring an in-depth academic approach, by practicing active knowledge-seeking, critical and analytical thinking and problem-solving both individually and as part of a group.

During the programme, the student will have training in leadership, teamwork and cooperation, where their knowledge and experiences come to use. The working forms consist of problem-solving in groups, lectures, literature studies, seminars and independent work. The clinical placement is conducted under the supervision of specialist nurses on a ward/unit in close collaboration with the clinical senior lecturer and the clinical lecturer, and includes skills training, participant observation, systematic observation and reflection seminars. Planning and evaluation of the clinical placement is done through consultation between the student, their supervisor, the clinical senior lecturer and the clinical lecturer.

The specialisation Elderly Care is organised in the form of distance education and is conducted as half-time studies, mainly online. The students are divided into study groups. The programme is offered through a collaboration between six universities, with integration of various information and communication technologies within a joint virtual learning environment, in order to create optimal learning conditions. The studies are characterised by active knowledge-seeking, problem-solving and reflection. The working forms vary between individual work, work in study groups, method exercises, seminars and lectures. Supervision takes place continuously during the programme, both individually and in groups. Practical elements are integrated in all courses.

Degree

A Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing with one of the stated specialisations is obtained once the student has fulfilled course requirements corresponding to a total of 60 credits, with the exception of the Primary Care specialisation, where the diploma is obtained once the student has fulfilled course requirements corresponding to 75 credits. A nursing license issued by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare is also required. For a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing, the student shall have completed a clinical placement of a scope adapted to the needs of each specialisation. For a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing, the student shall have completed an independent project (degree project) within the framework of the course requirements.

The grading scale of pass or fail is applied (for the specialisation Elderly Care, the grades are pass with credit, pass or fail).

For a passing Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing, the courses included in the programme must have been completed in accordance with the following:

Passing results on examinations and study assignments

Passing participation in group projects and seminars

Passing clinical placement

Passing independent project (degree project).

Diploma

A student who completes all the courses in the Specialist Nursing Programme with a passing result obtains a diploma with their professional qualification upon request to the Graduation Office. A student who has received a passing grade on an independent project/degree project of 15 credits, may apply to the Graduation Office to obtain a Degree of Master. (the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Annex 2 Qualifications Ordinance).

Other directives

The quality of the programme is continuously monitored in accordance with the guidelines set out in the established quality-assurance documents for the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy. Programmes and courses are continuously evaluated throughout the programme in terms of set objectives, and are reviewed by subject representatives and the head of programme within the scope of the Uppsala University quality-assurance system. Uppsala University has centrally established guidelines for the course evaluation that is part of all courses. The course evaluations are jointly analysed and discussed by teachers and students each term. A summary of the course evaluations is documented, and provides the basis for changes/improvements of ongoing and upcoming courses.

In accordance with the “Ordinance (1993:1153) concerning the Reporting of Higher Education Studies etc. at universities and university colleges”, certain student data will be registered. The student is entitled to an excerpt from the register of persons (in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1973:289) in reference to the data that refers to them.

Credit transfer of earlier education or professional experience is done in accordance with Chapter 6, Sections 6–8 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100).