Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Nursing

The course content is designed to meet the educational needs of clinicians working in the diverse perioperative environments. The core unit of study highlights the practice and philosophy of perioperative nursing. Pre-, intra- and postoperative nursing assessment and care are explored in depth, as well as the broader aspects of legal and ethical issues associated with perioperative nursing roles.

The unique structure of our Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Nursing allows you to tailor a qualification to your needs or interests. The course is made up of one core subject, one specialty elective and two electives. With specialty electives in anaesthetic nursing, instrument/circulating nursing and post anaesthetic recovery unit care, you can choose one or all three, allowing you to specialise in one area or giving you a broader experience.

Our team is here to support you along the way and you can always talk to one of our staff to choose your pathway.

On completion of the course students will be able to:

• reflect upon and benchmark against professional competency standards and practice guidelines developed by ACORN
• apply knowledge and understanding of legislation, professional and ethical standards and health care policies within the contemporary perioperative environment
• formulate an advanced knowledge base to promote the safe and comprehensive provision and coordination of evidence based care within the contemporary perioperative environment
• critically analyse the theoretical constructs underpinning the care of the patient undergoing procedures in the perioperative environment
• utilise leadership and management skills to create an effective clinical learning environment to enable the dissemination of knowledge and skills
• demonstrate continuity of care and maintain effective therapeutic relationships by contributing to multidisciplinary collaboration and quality improvement in the perioperative environment.

Core subjects: 

• Practice and Philosophy of Perioperative Nursing (219)

Specialty elective* subjects (choose one specialty elective from the following):

• Anaesthetic Nursing (221)
• Instrument/Circulating Nurse (283)
• Post-anaesthetic Recovery Unit Nursing (282)

Elective subjects (choose two electives from the following):

• Assessing and Managing Adult Pain (113)
• Day Surgery Nursing (298)
• Medical Imaging Nursing (243)
• Paediatric Pain – Assessment and Management (197)
• Principles of Infection Control (117)
• Principles of Perioperative Management (234)
• Stress Response and Health Breakdown (277)

*Specialty elective units can also be chosen as electives.
**Medical Imaging Nursing (243) has a pre-requisite: you must be working in a medical imaging department to choose this elective.

Disclaimer: Fees vary dependent on subject electives chosen