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  • Asthma/COPD
    Nursing Courses
    Distance learning, tertiary-level courses in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (emphysema).


Asthma/COPD nursing courses

Asthma New Zealand – The Lung Association in partnership with Unitec, School of Health and Community Studies offers 2 distance-learning courses.

  1. The Asthma Nursing Course is available to Registered Nurses who work in the community at primary and secondary care level with people who have asthma.
  2. The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Nursing Course is available to Registered Nurses who are Practice Nurses, or those who work in the community with people with COPD.

The aim of the courses is to provide the learner with the knowledge and skills to plan and deliver asthma and COPD care in primary, secondary and tertiary nursing practice.

To achieve this aim the asthma nursing course:

  • Offers access to teaching and learning concepts and information which enable nurses to plan and deliver nursing care and education to asthma and COPD patients.
  • Provides the opportunity for nurses to increase the scope of their practice in the field of asthma and COPD care.
  • Assists nurses to develop an ongoing interest in and commitment to their own development as teachers and as learners.

This outcome is achieved by a commitment to collaboration with all stakeholders in asthma and COPD, including consumers.

The course utilizes adult teaching and learning theory and relies on the learner to consider the content provided and to incorporate this into their professional practice through active reflection and critical thinking.

Reflection, critical analysis and other process skills are integrated throughout the course.

 

Asthma Nursing Course Information

This course is available to Registered Nurses who are Practice Nurses or who work in the community with people who have asthma.

Information about the Asthma New Zealand – The Lung Association/UNITEC Asthma Course:

  • Course is accredited with 24 credits, which can be used towards gaining your Bachelor of Nursing degree.
  • Course is over two semesters, approx 10 months duration.
  • You will be awarded an Asthma New Zealand – The Lung Association/UNITEC Certificate.
  • Course is interactive, evidence based, distance learning.
  • Work at your own pace within the timeframe.
  • Approximately 4 - 5 hours of theory per week. This is influenced by your previous study experience.
  • Course equivalent to 240 hours of study.
  • Support is there just when you need it: just drop an email, fax or phone call through to the course co-ordinators.
  • Network with others doing the same course through the buddy groups and learn from the experts, (Asthma New Zealand – The Lung Association Facilitators) in a clinical skills session on devices hopefully close to your own local area.
  • Assessment of knowledge to pass the course: one worksheet, and two assessments of approximately 3,000 words.
  • Contents designed by skilled nurse educators who understand what it is like to be in your shoes juggling work, home and study and the ever changing demands of contemporary healthcare… they have been supported by the leading experts in nursing and health management.
  • Real life examples are used throughout to make theory easy to incorporate into your practice.
  • Cost of the course is $ 699.00 but a full grant is available to practice nurses/community nurses, a deposit of $250.00 may be requested at enrolment payable to Asthma New Zealand – The Lunge Assocation (Inc). This will be refunded in full on completion of the course.
  • Course content is supported by readings, but you are also encouraged to find your own resources. You need to select the readings relevant to your own area of practice.
  • While you are participating in the course you are an enrolled student of UNITEC, you can use their library, Internet and learning resource environments.
  • Marking is done by a UNITEC lecturer and the Asthma New Zealand – The Lung Association National Education Manager.
  • The course has received endorsement from the NZNO College of Practice Nurses as suitable to aid progress towards the Expert Practice Nurse.
  • Attendance at a device training evening is compulsory. This two hour workshop is usually scheduled soon after the course commences and is facilitated by an Asthma New Zealand – The Lung Association, Facilitator in a city/town closest to you.