The purpose of the module is to enable students to understand the principles that underpin a safe, competent knowledge base for nursing and midwifery practice through the development of appropriate knowledge, values and skills in preparation for first practice placement.

Promote the safety and protection of the patient/client, student, colleagues and the general public within a health care context. Principles of safe practice and quality care. Assessment frameworks for recognition and management of signs of normal and changing health care needs. Documenting and communication of findings from clinical assessment. Principles of health and safety, introduction to infection prevention and control, moving and handling, basic life support. This module will incorporate the equivalent of one week clinical placement. Clinical skills: Measuring and recording of vital signs: temperature, pulse, respirations and pulse oximetry. Measuring and recording of manual blood pressure Measuring and recording of electronic blood pressure Measuring and recording of fluid balance Introducing Early Warning Scoring Systems Introduction to principles of standard precautions Performing hand hygiene skills Demonstrating skills of moving and handling Demonstrating skills and protocols of basic life support.

Identify patient/client safety factors in the context of nursing and midwifery clinical practice. Understand the contribution of the nursing and midwifery student to the patient/client safety agenda.

Value the principles that underpin a safe, competent knowledge base for nursing, midwifery and healthcare practice. Recognise and value the contribution of the nursing and midwifery student in delivering competent, safe quality nursing and midwifery care.

Demonstrate ability to perform nursing and midwifery clinical skills associated with the module.

The teaching style will be interactive and problem-focused. Students will participate in the learning environment through engagement in teaching learning and assessment strategies for example, lectures, discussions, group work, self-directed learning, recommended reading, reflection, peer presentations, virtual learning environment, small group teaching sessions. This module will integrate and connect theory with practice and provide an introduction to practice placement. Students will be encouraged to access relevant evidence based literature to inform safety in practice.