Diploma In Nursing, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Studying nursing at Sunway University prepares students for a diverse and rewarding profession that combines compassion with sophisticated health technology. Nurses help the sick to meet basic health needs, adapt to physical changes, recover from illnesses and endure terminal illnesses with dignity. Given the shortage of nurses in many countries, the profession offers many employment and career opportunities worldwide.

During their studies, nursing students learn how to attend to the sick and the injured, how to rehabilitate, counsel and educate patients, and work as part of a healthcare team in many settings.

The programme at Sunway University ensures that students acquire these skills through attending lectures, hands-on learning and practice and also working alongside experienced nurses in hospitals. The aim of the department is to ensure that Sunway University nursing graduates emerge as professionals who are Caring, Knowledgeable and have Integrity when treating those in need of assistance.

Programme Structure

The programme comprises both theory and practicum and lasts 3 years. Lectures will be conducted in Sunway University campus. Students learning and practice of nursing skills will be further enhanced in a simulated ward and skills lab before going for clinical postings at healthcare institutions. Practical experience would be attained in both private and public healthcare settings. Students will be guided by experienced nurses who have vast clinical exposure and have acquired professional skills in different specialities.

Year 1

Semester 1:

English for Nurses
Study Skills
Principle and Practice in Nursing I
Microbiology and Parasitology
Psychology and Sociology
Anatomy and Physiology I
Communication, Public Relations and Medicolegal Aspects

Semester 2:

Principle and Practice in Nursing II
Anatomy and Physiology II
Pharmacology
Surgical Nursing
Cardiovascular Nursing

Year 2

Semester 1:

Islamic / Moral Studies
Respiratory Nursing
Haemopoietic and Oncology Nursing
Gastrointestinal Nursing
Gynaecology Nursing
Communicable Disease Nursing

Semester 2:

Orthopaedic Nursing
Urology Nursing
Obstetric Nursing
Paediatric Nursing
Community Health Nursing I
Ophthalmology Nursing

Year 3

Semester 1:

Malaysia / Malay Language
Endocrine Nursing
Otorhinolaryngo Nursing
Community Health Nursing II
Neurological Nursing
Psychiatric Nursing

Semester 2:

Malaysian Studies
Community Health Nursing III
Dermatological Nursing
Emergency and Intensive Nursing
Gerontology Nursing
Research Management

Modules

The following are details of each of the modules that will be taught during the Diploma in Nursing programme.

English for Nurses
This skill-based module covers the foundational language skills required for pursuing the Diploma in Nursing. It focuses mainly on the acquisition of reading and writing skills in health care situations. In addition, exercises and examples would focus on aspects of services delivery, etiquette and positive communication. Students are also taught the relevant study skills to enable them to participate effectively in an academic setting.

Study Skills
The study skills taught within this module aim to move students from being dependent to independent learners. Emphasis is placed upon how to transcribe notes, and summarise important facts. More importantly, students are taught to question and be critical about what they read in articles and to listen critically during lectures.

Psychology and Sociology
Caring for client effectively required the understanding of the psychological aspect of human being. This module will introduce basic scientific principles which study the mental process and behaviour of humans in all aspects of life. This subject also equips students with basic knowledge and an appropriate outlook in the concept of socio-cultural practice in a multi-ethnic community. The course aim to link socio-cultural practice in the application of nursing care.

Microbiology and Parasitology
Many human diseases are caused by different types of microorganisms. This module provides students with knowledge of microorganism and the activity associated with illnesses, body’s defence and how to control the spread of infection. There are diseases caused by parasites and this module introduces students the basics of parasitology, the spread, control as well as cures for different types of infections.

Communication, Public Relation and Medico Legal Aspect
Communicating with the client and family requires interpersonal skills. This module equips students with the concepts, principles of communication, general communication practices and appropriate therapeutic for clients. The course would ensure that students have better interpersonal skill when dealing with public. This course also imparts knowledge on the medical legal aspects of nursing through creating awareness of the laws that govern the practice of nursing.

Principles and Practice in Nursing
This module has 2 parts and is conducted over two semesters. Part 1 helps the students to understand basic concepts, principles and practice of nursing. The syllabus includes the role of the nurse, different theories and models of nursing. It also covers the nursing process, body mechanics, documentation and report writing, safety needs, comfort and nutrition for clients as well as client observations. Part 2 of this course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of the concepts, principles and practice of nursing. This includes the use of knowledge, skills and attitudes which can be applied to the administering of basic treatment to clients at all levels of illnesses. The treatments involved may include oxygen therapy, feeding via nasogastric tube, assistance in elimination functions and situations facing death.

Anatomy and Physiology
This module is divided into 2 parts which is taught over two different semesters. Part 1 is an introductory course on Anatomy and Physiology of the human body. The emphasis here is on the macroscopic and microscopic structure of the human body. This serves as a basis for discussion and understanding the physiological processes, and also disruptions of the physiological processes as a function of treatment. In Part 2 of the module, the students will be taught about the complexities and abstract nature of the human organ system.

Pharmacology
Serving medication is a daily event for nurses. Therefore student nurses need to be taught how medication is administered orally and by injections. The module also instructs students on the action, interaction and responsibility in administering medication which are relevant to specific medical illnesses. This is another prerequisite module for other organ system where medication is part of the treatment for any kind of diseases.

Cardiovascular Nursing
This module focuses on the problems and diseases that may occur in the heart. Students are provided with knowledge on diseases and conditions of the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels). The coverage of the module included basic care for clients with heart problem, identifying normal and abnormal heart rhythms on ECG recordings and action to be taken during an emergency.

Respiratory Nursing
This module focuses on diseases related to the lungs. Students learn about diseases associated with the respiratory system, from minor ailments to life threatening respiratory conditions. Student will be equipped with knowledge on basic nursing care as well as emergency care by using the nursing process.

Haemopoietic and Oncology Nursing
This module is divided into 2 different components: blood disorders and maligancy. Diseases and problems associate with blood and cancer will be taught in this module. Students will be given opportunity to have experience in caring for client with blood disorders and oncology nursing.

Gastrointestinal Nursing
Gastrointestinal Nursing is a module that focuses on the diseases that affect the alimentary tract which is from the mouth right up to the rectum. This module will equip students with knowledge on assessment and care of client with problems in the alimentary tract both medically and surgically. It also teach students on the special diagnostic procedures and the care of clients undergoing these procedures, e.g. gastroscopy, colonoscopy.

Communicable Disease Nursing
Communicable diseases are transmitted through food, vectors, air and body contact. This module aims to introduces students to concepts and nursing care of clients with communicable disease. This is done by learning about basic processes of illnesses, how it is spread, signs and symptoms as well as the complications. It also covers methods to determine diagnosis, the different diagnostic procedures associated with communicable disease. This modules also introduces students to the principles, techniques and types of isolation nursing.

Gynaecology Nursing
This module aims to expose students to the different kind of women health problems. It provides student with knowledge, attitudes and appropriate skills to treat clients with the various gynaecological problems.

Orthopaedic Nursing
Orthopaedics is the study of bone related conditions and diseases which include fractures. In this module, Students learn about the different conditions and how treatment is administered to clients with orthopaedic problems. They also learn how to rehabilitate clients through physiotherapy.

Ophthalmology Nursing
This module examines how an injured eye or any conditions related to the eye are treated. The course aims to provide students with knowledge, attitude and specific skills involved in caring clients with eyes diseases and injuries. Students will be given opportunity to nurse client in the specialized unit associate with eyes problem or diseases.

Urology Nursing
Urology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. Students are taught about the different diseases and conditions associated with this system by using the nursing process.

Obstetric Nursing
Obstetrics is the study of the reproductive process within the female body, including fertilisation, pregnancy and childbirth. In this module students are taught the skills and attitudes that are necessary when administering care to mothers during antenatal, when in labour and also during the postpartum period. This module also involves the care of the newborn.

Paediatric Nursing
Paediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants, children and adolescents. This module provides students with the basic knowledge, experience and skills to provide treatment for children suffering from the common diseases associated with children.

Otorhinolaryngology Nursing
Otorhinolaryngology is the study of diseases related to the ear, nose and throat. Students learn about the basic nursing skills that is required to care for them.

Psychiatric Nursing
This module teaches students to identify common mental and psychiatric illnesses. The students learn to identify the client’s underlying mental health problems and to take the necessary precautions to prevent self injury. This module also encompasses psychopharmacology aspect and assisting in the special procedures related to the treatment of clients with psychiatric problems. In addition, the students are also exposed to the importance of rehabilitation.

Community Health Nursing
There are three components within this module; Part 1 equips students with basic knowledge and skills for delivering health services to the community. Part 2 covers the issues of prevention of diseases and the promotion of our physical well being. It also involves the rehabilitative and continuity of care of clients upon discharge from hospitals. Part 3 focuses on Family Health Services, school children and disabled children.

Emergency Nursing and Intensive Care Nursing
Responding to an emergency is an important aspect of a nurse’s responsibility. This module provides students with the knowledge and skills in assessing emergency conditions and determining the appropriate nursing interventions. It also equips students with good public relations skills to deal with clients and their families during an emergency situation. This is also an introduction to intensive care nursing.

Management
This management modules intend to equip students to lead and manage the nursing team effectively when they become a qualified registered nurse and take on the role of a team leader or manager. This includes leadership styles, clinical management approaches, health policy, finance and resource allocation.

Research
This module covers the basic research principles and statistics in carrying out a nursing research. This will facilitate students to carry out a mini research project.

Gerontology Nursing
This module expands upon students’ existing knowledge of adult nursing and emphasises the older adulthood stage of development. Students will gain an understanding of what it means to grow older as it relates to the developmental tasks, health care needs, and health risk factors associated with the ageing process. The module also emphasized on the theories of ageing, issues and trends in care of persons who are older, principles of health promotion and health teaching and care of the older frail person in acute or aged care facilities.

Dermatological Nursing
Dermatology is the study of skin disorders. Students will learn about various disorders of the autoimmune, degenerative and intergumentary systems e.g. burns. Nursing process will be used as a framework to provide the necessary care of these clients.

Endocrine Nursing
This module will focus on the theory and application of nursing process and nursing roles related to the care of clients with endocrine disorders such as diabetes. This module also involves care of surgical client with endocrine disorders, diagnostic procedures and provision of health education.

Neurological Nursing
This module focuses on health pattern alterations as a basis for nursing interventions appropriate for clients with neurological disorders e.g. spinal injuries and stroke. The concepts of health promotion, health maintenance and health restoration are incorporated into discussions of the nursing process and role of the professional nurse. Content will include knowledge and practical aspects of performing neurological assessment including assisting in special diagnostic investigation and care of patient with neurological disorders.

Facilities

Throughout the duration of the nursing programme, students have access to various facilities which aid learning and acquisition of skills to becoming professional nurses. These facilities are listed below:

Classrooms – Seminars, lectures and tutorials.
Lecture Halls – Large scale lectures.
Simulated Ward – For practice of clinical skills and nursing procedures in a simulated clinical environment.
Skills Laboratory – To practise and acquire specific micro nursing skills.
Computer Facilities – To gather the latest online medical information, to complete assignments, and to undertake statistical analysis using statistical software.
Laboratory Computer Terminals – Access to anatomy and nursing procedure software programmes for in-depth study.
Tun Hussein Onn Library – On-shelf nursing and medical texts, and also online medical journals. Access to the library databases is also available to Sunway University students via wi-fi.

Career Opportunities

Career prospects for graduate nurses are both exciting and rewarding. Upon graduation, many nurses choose to specialise in a specialised field of nursing and / or proceed to attain a higher level of education.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the Diploma In Nursing programme are:

SPM or equivalent – 5 credits with compulsory pass in BM (minimum entry requirement)
UEC – 5 Bs with compulsory pass in BM
STPM or equivalent – This would be taken into consideration (on a case-by-case basis, based upon SPM or equivalent results) and the application would be viewed more favourably

Subjects

Preferably credits in Mathematics, Science and English. Other accepted subjects can be: Geography, History, Literature, Commerce, Economics, Accounting etc.

Note: Students with academic qualifications that are not listed above are advised to write to the Department of Nursing for the entrance requirements that are specific to those countries or institutions.

Intakes
April & July

Duration
3 years

Medium of Instruction
English

Sunway University Location Map

Sunway University Contact Details

Address:
Sunway University
No. 5, Jalan Universiti,
Bandar Sunway,
46150 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia.

Phone: +6(03)7491 8622
Fax: +6(03)5635 8630

Email: info@sunway.edu.my
Website: http://sunway.edu.my/