NUR2403

Psychosocial studies 3: Social origins of health and illness

3 points · 4 hours per week · First or second semester · Gippsland and Peninsula · Prerequisites: NUR1401, NUR1402

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Module: Nursing, healthcare and society

Objectives On completion of the subject it is expected that students will be able to demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the concepts of health and illness as social constructs; discuss the issues of gender, culture, and class on the individual experience of health, illness and health care; demonstrate a critical awareness of the political dimension of nursing and nurse interactions.

Synopsis This subject builds upon previous studies in NUR1402 (Psychosocial studies 2: Sociology of health care) and is designed to provide links between broad structural aspects and the micro world of individual experiences of nursing, health and health care. Sociological concepts relating to the discipline of nursing will be further developed with a specific focus on the micro-interactions of the nurse with clients, patients, other health professionals, families, groups and the wider society.

Assessment Tutorial presentation and paper: 50%

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Module: Health and human behaviour 2

Objectives On completion of the subject it is expected that students will be able to explain how systems theory applies to understanding the individual in the context of his/her environment; demonstrate knowledge of basic psychological processes related to human behaviour in groups; understand the influence of behavioural factors on the experience of illness for members of groups; describe the psychodynamics and characteristics of the family throughout its life cycle; use a systems theory framework to explain the impact of nursing intervention on the psychosocial equilibrium of clients; understand and discuss the influence that membership of, and association with institutions has on maintaining health across the lifespan; apply communication skills in understanding and describing an example of the provision of cross -institutional care.

Synopsis This subject builds on concepts studied in NUR1401 (Health and human behaviour ) where students are able to develop knowledge and skills relevant to understanding how and why human beings behave the way they do during times of health and illness. This unit will have a specific focus on understanding the role of nurses in relationship to the institutions involved in the provision of health care. These institutions include the changing family, multidisciplinary groups, educational and work settings, community networks and the institutions to which clients belong: occupational settings, religious organisations, community groups alternative health care providers etc.

Assessment Seminar presentation linked to written assignment: 50%

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