Graduate Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Nursing

This course will provide students with an understanding of substance use issues from both an individual and public health perspective. Students will explore a range of opinions around the policy of harm minimisation and the socio-political aspects of substance use. Biological and psychological models of both causes and treatments are reviewed. Assessment and nursing care of intoxication, overdose and withdrawal are examined. Specialised skills in motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, pharmacotherapy services, case management, co-morbidities and complex care will be studied. The importance of primary health care interventions is emphasised.

Students complete 4 core units of study.

At successful completion of the course students should be able to:

• examine the causes, incidence and prevalence of substance use and critically analyse government policy and strategy
• discuss the importance of the health professional’s attitude and cultural sensitivity in working with clients, families and significant others in the drug and alcohol context
• perform a holistic drug and alcohol assessment and determine an appropriate therapeutic response rationalising the use of pharmacotherapies and psychosocial interventions
• evaluate evidence based, best practice nursing care of people with substance intoxication, overdose and withdrawal
• discuss case management care with the multidisciplinary team
• analyse and appraise public health approaches and primary health care models in the drug and alcohol context.

Core subjects:

• Drug and Alcohol Nursing Practice (259)
• Public and Primary Health Care: Drug and Alcohol (287)
• Addiction Nursing (276)
• Complex Care – Drug and Alcohol (289)

*259 is a pre-requisite and must be completed first.
**259 and 276 are both pre-requisites and must be completed first.

Disclaimer: Fees vary dependent on subject electives chosen