Key features
This 20 credit degree-level module is a practical skin surgery course for registered nurses working in dermatology secondary or primary care. The module delivers face to face learning with practical competency assessments by a local mentor in the work place. There are four taught days and the module runs over five months to allow portfolio development.
You will be taught
- what facilities and equipment is required for outpatient skin surgery
- how to assess the patient pre-operatively and how to plan the practical aspects of skin surgical treatment
- and how to care and advise the patient in the immediate post-operative phase.
You will be able to carry out diagnostic skin biopsy and skin cancer treatments under local anaesthetic, as well as curettage and cautery, punch biopsy and incisional biopsies. A range of suturing techniques are covered – interrupted suture, figure of 8 haemostatic suture, interlocking, running, mattress and pulley. Cryosurgical skin treatments with liquid nitrogen are also taught.
This module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module towards some of our
BSc (Hons) Professional Development
pathways – please contact the Professional Development Unit for further information.