Overview

This course is for those registered as health visitors in the UK who do not have a midwifery qualification that want to register and practice as a public health nurse in Ireland. This provides the required postnatal and infant health knowledge for public health nursing. 

Entry Requirements

Students must be a registered health visitor in the UK. 

What you will Learn

This course includes 5 weeks placement in a maternity setting.

Register with the NMBI in the Public Health Nurse division and practice as a PHN

Course Outcomes
On successful completion of this micro-credential, you will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by the awarding institution as credits aligned to learning completed at postgraduate level 9.

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate the implications of maternal and reproductive health policy for public health nursing practice.
2. Discuss physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and the principles of antenatal care.
3. Describe the physiology of labour and care of the woman during labour.
4. Explain complications associated with pregnancy, and labour and the impact these have on the postpartum period
5. Explain the physiological and psychological changes that occur in the mother during the postnatal period and factors that influence transition to parenthood.
6. Critically explore the role of the public health nurse in assessing and promoting postnatal health in the community.
7. Demonstrate a comprehensive postnatal assessment of the mother incorporating explanation of postnatal complications and their management in the community.
8. Explain the normal physical and behavioural characteristics of the neonate
9. Demonstrate a comprehensive assessment of the newborn incorporating the associated health education.
10. Discuss the role of the PHN in providing education to promoting optimum infant health and wellbeing
11. Recognise when onward referral is required and discuss referral pathways available in the community.
12. Demonstrate understanding the role of the public health nurse in supporting the breastfeeding mother in the primary care setting.
13. Understand the complications associated with pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Contact

If you have any questions about this course, please contact:

Linda Leonard
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Áras Moyola | University of Galway
Phone: +353 91 49 3740

Email: Linda Leonard

How to Apply

Online Application Portal will be open from 1st April until 26th June 2026.

Learn more about our application process.

Apply here: Online Application Portal

Academic level: Micro-credentials and CPD
College/Interest type: Healthcare & Medicine
Academic programme: Choose the right micro-credential from the list

See also Nursing & Midwifery How to Apply