NUR1441

Therapeutic dimensions in nursing ( 6 points, SCA Band 0, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Ms Jeni Grubb

Offered:
Gippsland First semester 2006 (OCL)
Malaysia First semester 2006 (OCL)
Papua New Guinea First semester 2006 (OCL)

Synopsis: This unit adopts a holistic approach and is designed to expand upon students' existing knowledge of therapeutic nursing care. It aims to enable students to critically reflect upon holism and therapeutic nursing and communication in their practice. Students will be expected to explore influences on health and illness, and healing and to engage in discourse on the value of specific complementary and alternative therapies, within the modern practice domain. It is intended that the students will gain a deeper appreciation of the conceptual basis of communication, and will develop their skills in establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship and in facilitating optimal client outcomes.

Objectives: Having completed this unit it is expected that students should be able to: 1. Explain the relationship between holism and therapeutic nursing and communication; 2. Understand the value of establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship in practice; 3. Apply effective communication skills in interpersonal and group interactions to facilitate quality client care; 4. Appreciate the different approaches to health and illness and coping and healing; 5. Appreciate how concepts and strategies of holistic care can be applied to achieve optimal health outcomes; 6. Explain how holistic healing modalities can enhance therapeutic nursing practice; and 7. Critically reflect upon aspects of holistic health and healing, therapeutic nursing and communication experienced in practice.

Assessment: Essay: 30% + Essay: 40% + Examination: 30%