Advances in Renal Care - NHS-4246 - Entry

This is a part-time, level 7 short course delivered on our Bangor and Wrexham campus, with some content accessed online (blended learning method).

Renal healthcare professionals are required to care for a patient group who are continually aware of the devastating effects of an acute/chronic illness.  

A dependence upon highly technical equipment, long-term complications of therapy and repeated exposure to life threatening situations place enormous pressures on careers, family and friends. 

Consequently, the Advances in Renal Care Module is essential to ensure that those health care professionals working in the renal field are fully equipped to deal with the wealth of contemporary theoretical and practical knowledge relating to the management of the condition and its complications. This will enable them to deliver evidence-based practice when caring for this group of patients.  

This module is suitable for healthcare professionals working within the renal filed e.g. renal/dialyses units, critical care and acute medical care. 

Who is this course for?

The course is open to all nurses and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) who are currently working with renal patients.  

Why study this course?

This short course has been specifically designed to assist registered practitioners in preparing for their role within the renal field. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and learn how to deliver high-quality care while exploring the complex care needs of individuals with renal disease.  

The course is structured in a way that promotes discussion and collaboration between students, learning from each other’s experiences and viewpoints. It is tailored to meet the needs of registrants working in practice and examines current national guidance and best practise in the identification, treatment, and management of renal disease. 

How long does this course take to complete?

This short course runs over 22 weeks, usually during semester 1 of the academic year.  

The course dates for the 24/25 academic year are as follows:   

8 study days, on the following dates, on our Bangor campus:  

• 17 September 2024 
• 1 October 2024 
• 15 October 2024 
• 5 November 2024 
• 19 November 2024 
• 3 December 2024 
• 28 January 2025 
• 11 February 2025 

Assessments on this short course will include:  

• Assignment  - Literature review investigating a problem or issue within the renal specialty  
• Clinical Competencies  

Tutor

Heather Bloodworth, Lecturer in Healthcare, School of Health Sciences

Heather has extensive knowledge and experience relating to advanced practice, endocrinology, emergency care, general practice nursing and renal nursing. 

Julie Cripps, Lecturer in Healthcare, School of Health Sciences

Julie has had a lengthy career in renal nursing where she experienced all aspects of Renal management. Currently Julie teaches on both pre and post registration modules. 

What will you study on this course?

Module Content will include but is not limited to:  

• Causes and management of acute kidney injury 
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) 
• Pre dialysis care 
• Renal investigations 
• Pharmacology 
• Radiographic investigations 
• Renal replacement therapies  
• Home therapies 
• Vascular Access 
• Renal nutrition  
• Psychological impact of renal replacement therapy 
• Transplantation 
• Advanced Care Planning 
• Transition from active to palliative care 
• Conservative management 

What will attendees get out of the course?

At the end of this short course, learners will be able to: 

• Critically discuss the causes of acute kidney injury and its management in the acute hospital environment.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of chronic kidney disease
• Understand the principles of Renal Replacement Therapy and the ability to deal with the issue of patient suitability, ability, circumstances and quality of life.
• Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the ethical, cultural, religious, spiritual and quality of life issues associated with renal disease
• Critically examine and evaluate the role of the multidisciplinary team within the renal setting, and show that they are able to work as an effective member of such a multidisciplinary team.
• Critical interpretation and dissemination of current knowledge via critical review of the literature pertaining to kidney disease and how it pertains to health care provision

• Enquiries regarding Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) funding should be directed to bcu.nurseeducation@wales.nhs.uk.
• Funding opportunities may be available for those working locally (i.e. in the north Wales and Powys areas), please contact the relevant module co-ordinator for details.
• All other application and funding related enquiries should be directed to the module co-ordinator.

Please see our Postgraduate Fees and Finance page for further information.

Applicants must be healthcare professionals who work with renal patients in an acute or community setting.

How to Apply

Please make sure you read and follow the step-by-step application guide as this will specify which sections of the application form are compulsory for the type of course you want to apply for and save you time.

Please prepare the following information (in a Word document):

• Current employment details;
• Years of experience, and employment history (where relevant)
• Name of staff member and organisation that have approved your funding for this module.

This will speed up the process of completing the application form.