Enteral Therapy Nursing
Enteral therapy is the introduction of nutrients and fluids directly into the gastrointestinal tract through tube feeding. Management of clients receiving this therapy can be challenging for even the most skilled clinician who needs to be familiar with all aspects of this specialised therapy.
This training will build upon current professional practice and enable the therapist to extend their management of emergency situations or to maintain clients with their existing enteral therapy.
Entry Criteria
1. Health care professionals who have an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in medicine, nursing, speech pathology or dietetics. Generally, applicants should also have a minimum of 2 years postgraduate experience and be working with clients who receive nutritional support.
2. Formal qualifications/registration must be cited prior to acceptance in to the course
3. Police check must be cited prior to acceptance to the course
On successful entry to the course, a pre-course self-directed module in anatomy and physiology will be sent. A test on the anatomy and physiology pre-course material will be conducted on the first day of the course.
Content
Unit 1: Enteral Therapy (139 hours duration)
• Anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system
• Assessment techniques to determine the need for enteral therapy
• Critical assessment of emergency situations and appropriate management
• Types of tubes available, their modes of insertion and the pre/post care of the client in the management of such tubes
• Nutritional requirements and assessment
• Drug delivery systems in enteral therapy and effects of administration
• Client issues such as safety, cultural issues and altered body image
• Introduction to research methodology
Unit 2: Practical Application - Clinical Work (80 hours duration)
Clinical placements will be conducted at venues designated by or approved by Mayfield Education.
Delivery
The course is to be conducted over a three (3) month period, punctuated by seven (7) on-line sessions, self-directed learning packages and a clinical placement block of two (2) weeks duration.
The on-line three (3) hour sessions will be conducted from 1300 – 1600 hours Eastern Standard Time.
The clinical placement venues are either to be approved, or designated by Mayfield Education, dependent on the student location. If no suitable clinical venues are available at the student’s location, then students may need to relocate for the 2 week period.
Dates
Commencing on 7 July 2010
On-line sessions: 7, 21 July, 4, 18 August, 1, 15, 29 September, 2010
Assessment
Students will be assessed against specific criteria and clinical performance. This will include:
• Pre-and post examinations
• On-line attendance and activities
• Case study
• Research assignment including a training package
• Clinical assessment
Award
Mayfield Certificate
CNE Points
25 points
Fee
$1,000
Closing Date
3 weeks prior to course commencement
Location
Hawthorn campus
