Wound, Ostomy and Continence Practice

The Graduate Certificate in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Practice is designed to provide you with the theoretical foundations of nursing science, together with the clinical knowledge and skills associated with the specialisation.

It focuses on the prevention and management of patients with an acute or chronic wounds; patients with an ostomy (gastro-intestinal or genito-urinary diversion for feeding or drainage of effluent, or a tracheostomy for respiratory function), and patients with urinary or faecal incontinence.

Students will have the opportunity to combine learning from the applied clinical sciences to the practice context. The course aims to take nurses who wish to specialise in the area to be competent in all aspects of wound, ostomy and continence practice.

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.

Why study

• The first established school of nursing in a West Australian university, Curtin's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine has continued to set the pace for nursing education in our region.
• Teaching staff are highly qualified, both academically and professionally.
• The School ensures its leading position in nursing education through industry partnerships integrated with its teaching and research programs.

What you'll learn

• analyse critically, and evaluate advanced concepts of specialty nursing practice; integrate expert knowledge and integrated understanding to demonstrate competency at a level in accordance with specialty competency standards
• critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise the environmental, physical and psychosocial aspects of the individual for effective clinical decision making; recognise own abilities and level of professional competence
• investigate, analyse and synthesise complex evidence and scientific literature to inform decision making in specialty practice
• integrate advanced communication skills within a legal and ethical framework related to complex clinical issues in area of specialty; interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• effectively anticipate, plan for and use complex technology applications relevant to specialty practice
• integrate autonomous, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a lifelong learner in specialty practice; participate in research and critically appraise research findings and incorporate evidence based knowledge into clinical
• critically appraise, evaluate and incorporate national and global health issues and strategic health care directions into specialty nursing practice
• incorporate culturally aware and respectful specialty care to multicultural groups and indigenous communities
• incorporate advanced theoretical and specialist knowledge and judgment, including advanced leadership and autonomy into specialty practice; work professionally in specialty practice demonstrating expert judgement, leadership and independence as a nurse in area of specialty; act as an experienced positive role model to peers and other members of the healthcare team