This degree course was introduced in 1992 to replace the undergraduate Diploma of Applied Science (Nursing).
The course
The course is offered as an internal full-time course of three years duration and prepares students for registration as general nurses with the Nurses Board of Victoria. The course aims to develop a graduate nurse who is expected to be committed to the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health and to the prevention of disease. It is expected that the first-level practitioner will be skilled in the delivery of holistic health care; be able to apply an extensive body of knowledge from the relevant disciplines in a range of practice settings; be skilled in problem-solving and clinical reasoning; be competent and safe in the practice of clinical nursing skills and work within legal and ethical standards of practice.
Objectives
On successful completion of the course the student will be expected to:
* meet currently accepted standards of nursing practice as set down in the ANRAC (1990) National Competencies for the Registration and Enrolment of Nurses in Australia;
* provide holistic nursing care as a first-level practitioner in a variety of health care settings compatible with the broad health care needs and goals of Australia's multicultural society;
* practice effectively and safely, and maintain legal and ethical standards of practice;
* identify the health care needs and problems of individuals and groups of people in a variety of settings;
* set priorities in respect to health care needs and problems and make referrals when appropriate;
* plan, implement and evaluate care activities which encourage individuals and groups to achieve independence or self help in achieving and maintaining optimal levels of health;
* demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of political, historical, cultural, social and professional forces which have influenced nursing in the past and which provide the tensions and potential for change within nursing at present;
* appreciate the importance of participating in further education;
* understand and appreciate the importance of nursing research;
* critically analyse and apply research findings to nursing practice;
* adopt a collaborative approach to health care both at an interpersonal and an interdisciplinary level;
* encompass caring as a foundational concept for nursing practice;
* participate in quality assurance programs to ensure quality care practices;
* demonstrate an ability to be self-directed when required, in the delivery of nursing care;
* participate in health teaching.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have completed satisfactorily the Victorian Certificate of Education or equivalent to include English with two units of mathematics at senior level. It is recommended that students undertake one or more VCE studies in chemistry, human biology, physics, human development-home economics, health education, physical education.
Mature-age entry applicants must have successfully completed Year 12 English and Mathematics units 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.
In addition to applying through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Committee, applicants must complete a nursing course administration form, which can be obtained from Student Administration. Applicants may be required to attend a pre-selection interview at a date and time to be advised.
General information
Approximately 50 per cent of coursework involves clinical and field placement. Students are responsible for transport and accommodation costs related to clinical and field placements. A uniform is required for clinical placements. Students are responsible for obtaining the correct uniform and suitable footwear. These need not be purchased until the end of first semester of the first year of the course.
The School of Health Sciences recommends that all students obtain relevant vaccination prior to clinical placement. It is strongly recommended that students undergo their first vaccinations prior to entering the course. Information on the vaccination policy may be obtained by contacting the School of Health Sciences.
Course outline
To qualify for the Bachelor of Nursing students must satisfactorily complete twenty-four subjects of credit. The schedule of subjects is as follows:
Year one
First semester
* GHS1410 Issues in nursing 1 - perspectives and attitudes towards nursing
* GHS1411 Nursing 1 - community health
* GAS1095 Physical science for health care 1
* GAS1503 Psychology for nurses A
Second semester
* GHS1422 Nursing 2 - fundamentals of nursing
* GAS1096 Physical science for health care 2
* GAS1118 Bioscience 1
* GAS1125 Microbiology for health care 1
Year two
First semester
* GHS2410 Pharmacology and non-drug therapies
* GHS2412 Nursing 3 - nursing for people experiencing acute illness 1
* GAS1126 Microbiology for health care 2
* GAS2117 Bioscience 2
Second semester
* GHS2420 Issues in nursing 2 - legal and ethical considerations in nursing practice
* GHS2421 Nursing 4 - nursing for mental health
* GHS2422 Nursing 5 - nursing for gender health
* GAS2118 Bioscience 3
* GAS1504 Psychology for nurses B
* GCO1839 Computers in the health care setting
Year three
First semester
* GHS3410 Issues in nursing 3 - research
* GHS3411 Issues in nursing 4 - perspectives in the health/illness experience
* GHS3412 Nursing 6 - nursing for people experiencing acute illness 2
* GAS3117 Bioscience 4
* GSC1201 Introduction to sociology A (health care)
Second semester
* GHS3420 Issues in nursing 5 - leadership and management in nursing care
* GHS3421 Nursing 7 - chronic health problems and rehabilitation in community and acute care settings
* GHS3422 Nursing 8 - nursing elective
* GSC1203 Introduction to sociology C (health care)